"When Both Sides Hate You, You're Probably Right" – Javed Akhtar Fires Back at Extremists

Renowned Indian lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar is once again making waves with his trademark boldness. Known for speaking his mind, Akhtar stirred fresh controversy at the launch of politician Sanjay Raut’s autobiography Heaven in Hell in Mumbai.

Taking a sharp jab at religious extremism on both sides of the border, Akhtar said he receives abuse from both Indian and Pakistani hardliners. “One side calls me a jihadi and wants to send me to Pakistan. The other calls me a kafir. That’s how I know I’m on the right track,” he remarked with characteristic candor.

He didn’t mince words when asked to choose between Pakistan and hell. “If I had to pick, I’d choose hell without hesitation,” he declared, adding that he’s wary only when the trolls go silent—“That’s when I worry I might have said something wrong.”

Akhtar has been an outspoken critic of Pakistan, especially in light of the Operation Sindoor issue. He defended India’s ban on Pakistani artists, pointing out the double standards: “India has always welcomed their artists. But have they ever honored someone like Lata Mangeshkar? They didn’t even hold a memorial for her.”

With legendary works like Sholay, Deewaar, and Silsila under his belt, Javed Akhtar is a pillar of Indian cinema. But beyond his songs and scripts, it’s his fearless voice on politics and society that continues to resonate—and divide.