New Delhi: Javed Akhtar’s comment on Pakistan’s alleged role in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks has irked many Pakistani celebrities. They were quick to react to the Indian screenwriter’s video that went viral on social media.
Speaking at the seventh edition of the Faiz Festival at Lahore— which he attended along with other Indian delegates—Akhtar responded to an audience member’s question about the need to change India’s perception of Pakistan. He said that Mumbai hasn’t forgotten the 26/11 attacks and Pakistan should not be offended if India complains.
Soon after the clip started to circulate on social media, many Pakistani celebs had strong reactions to it.
The after-party high
After sharing a picture of herself with Javed Akhtar from an after-party hosted by fellow Pakistani actor Ali Zafar, Resham condemned his comment via an Instagram story and said that she was unaware of it. Reiterating her love for her homeland, she said that in Pakistan guests are considered God’s mercy but her country is dearer to her than “our hearts and lives.”
Fashion designer Zara Shahjahan—close friend of one of the women who accused Zafar of sexual harassment—tweeted about the after-party hosted by the “Lahori fake elite.”
He was not just allowed to come to Pakistan, he was allowed to shit on Pakistan and then the Lahori “fake” elite hosted a party for him where they cried on his knees. 🤮 https://t.co/jUgDFVUtdP
— zara shahjahan (@ZaraShahjahan) February 21, 2023
Speaking to ThePrint, Zafar had remarked that it was “a small and intimate affair” where they sang and recited Javed Akhtar’s nazms (verses).
Actor Shaan Shahid too commented on the same, tweeting that nothing is greater than one’s country and that the Pakistanis who invited Akhtar and sat on his feet should be questioned.
Questioning his visa, he added in another tweet, “These people know who murdered Muslims in Gujarat but they remain silent.. And this Sir, is looking for terrorists in Pakistan. Who gave him the visa?”
In an interview with NDTV following the comment, Javed Akhtar revealed that the audience cheered on his comment. He also reiterated that both countries want to be on friendly terms but remain unaware of each other’s culture.
The cheering too did not sit well with many Pakistanis.
Also read: Javed Akhtar recites from Silsila at Ali Zafar’s private party in Pakistan
Actor Saboor Aly wrote on her Instagram story, “Koi apne ghar main aa kar beizzat kar ke jaa raha hai uspe khushi se shor machaya jaa raha hae or phir qadmoun main baitha jaa raha hai. What a shame! (Someone enters your home and belittles you while you cheer them on and sit on their feet.)”
She added that “those who can’t respect themselves are never respected by others. Perhaps art might not have borders or boundaries but one’s respect should.”