Javed Akhtar’s Controversial Statement: “Pakistan or Hell? I’d Choose Hell“
Renowned Indian lyricist and poet Javed Akhtar sparked a media stir with his remarks during a recent event in Mumbai.
Speaking at the launch ceremony of Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut’s book “Narkatla Swarg” (Heaven in the Swamp), Javed Akhtar candidly shared that he has long been subjected to criticism and abuse from extremists on both sides — India and Pakistan.
He said:”If extremists from both sides ever stop abusing me, I start to worry that I might have done something wrong.”
Akhtar explained that while one side calls him a “kafir” and threatens him with hell, the other side labels him a “jihadi” and suggests he should move to Pakistan.
In a sarcastic tone, he added:”If I had to choose between Pakistan and hell, I would prefer to go to hell.”
His remarks have drawn sharp reactions from both Indian and Pakistani circles. While some see it as a satirical statement, others have criticized it as hateful and provocative.
Notably, the event was attended by key political figures from Maharashtra, including Uddhav Thackeray, Sharad Pawar, and TMC MP Saket Gokhale, adding political weight to Akhtar’s comments.
