Between Pakistan and Hell, I would like to go to hell, says Javed Akhtar

While speaking to the audience, Javed Akhtar reflected on how his outspoken views have often made him a target of criticism over the years.

Veteran lyricist and writer Javed Akhtar recently attended the launch event of Narkatla Swarg (Heaven in the Swamp), a book authored by Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut, held in Mumbai on Saturday. During the gathering, Akhtar delivered a thought-provoking speech, offering a candid and deeply personal take on the criticism he faces from both sides of the ideological divide.

His remarks come amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, following India’s recent Operation Sindoor — a series of targeted missile strikes on terror camps in Pakistan — carried out in response to a devastating terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir.

While speaking to the audience, Javed Akhtar reflected on how his outspoken views have often made him a target of criticism over the years. "People from both sides abuse me. It's not one-sided. I would be very ungrateful if I don't admit that there are people who also appreciate me. Many support me, praise me, and encourage me," he said.

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He also added, "But this is also true: the extremists from this side also abuse me, and the extremists from that side also abuse. This is the reality. If even one of them stops abusing, I will get worried about what mistake I am making."

Javed went on to say, "One says I am a 'kaafir' and will go to hell. The other says I am a jihadi and should go to Pakistan. Toh agar mere paas sirf choice Pakistan aur jahannum yani nark ki hain toh main nark hi jaana pasand karunga."

Earlier this month, Javed Akhtar criticized Pakistan for promoting the false narrative that Kashmiris identify as Pakistanis at heart. He pointed out that this claim was untrue, recalling how, during the invasion of Kashmir by Pakistan soon after Independence, it was the local Kashmiris who resisted the attack for three days before the Indian Army arrived. "The truth is they can't live without India. What has happened (in Pahalgam) has hurt them the most. Tourism has taken a hit. Kashmiris are Indians and 99% of them are loyal to India." he said.

Sanjay Raut, a Shiv Sena MP, wrote the book Narkatla Swarg, which was released at the event and provides insights into his experiences and political journey. The importance of the event was highlighted by the attendance of several well-known political figures at the launch, including Trinamool Congress MP Saket Gokhale, NCP chief Sharad Pawar, and Uddhav Thackeray.