Javed Akhtar responds to his 26/11 statements about Pakistan, stating that it was necessary

Javed Akhtar, who was in Pakistan last week for a festival honouring famed Urdu poet Faiz Ahmed Faiz, said Pakistanis should not feel "offended" when India brings up the 2008 terror incident.

The lyricist-writer said his comments on the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks during his recent visit to Pakistan had grown "too huge," but he needed to clear the air on a few points while he was there.

Javed Akhtar remarked that his statements had become so large that they became embarrassing for him. He stated that his remarks generated a large variety of reactions from people.


He further stated that there had been so many reactions from citizens and the media that he had just stopped answering calls. He expressed his embarrassment, saying, 'aisa maine kya teer maar diya'. He mentioned this during a conference hosted by a television news network.

The writer-poet stated that he is now aware that his remarks have generated a stir in Pakistan. He stated that he discovered that people were abusing him there so much that the people of Pakistan were wondering why he was even granted a visa.

The lyricist-poet further stated that Pakistan does not accept Indian artists in the same way that India does.

According to Akhtar, India hosted ghazal legend Mehdi Hasan and even Faiz Ahmed Faiz during the tenure of Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

The writer, on the other hand, stated that "no country is a monolith" and that the policies of the government and establishments should not define it. He also remarked that it is regrettable that Indians are clueless that a large portion of Pakistan desires good relations with India.


He supported this remark with the reason that Pakistani residents see a nation next door that has seen so much progress, including industries, corporations, culture, films, and music. That's why they wish to maintain affable relations with India.

FAQs

Q1. Who was Javed Akhtar’s co-writer?
Salim Khan was his co-writer and their duo was called ‘Salim-Javed’.

Q2. Who is Javed Akhtar’s wife?
He is married to Shabana Azmi.