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Actor Mansha Pasha has weighed in on the recent comments made by Indian lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar regarding cross-border artistic exchange, calling for greater self-respect from Pakistanis in the face of repeated condescension.

Taking to her Instagram stories on Monday, the Laal Kabootar star reposted a news report highlighting Akhtar’s remarks, writing: “This reminds me of when he was here in Pakistan and there were cringeworthy videos of people at a party sitting literally at his feet after he had made derogatory remarks about Pakistan at an event.”

Reminding everyone of a gathering hosted by Ali Zafar in Akhtar’s honour, she added, “Honestly, the fault lies with us because it’s clear that we need to have more self-respect,” she added.

Her pointed comments reference Akhtar’s 2023 visit to Pakistan, during which, despite his history of controversial statements, he was welcomed warmly by many in the local elite — a scene that resurfaced this week in light of his renewed criticism.

In an interview with the Press Trust of India (PTI), Akhtar defended the sidelining of Pakistani actors in India, calling the cultural exchange between the two countries “one-way traffic.” He cited legends like Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Mehdi Hassan, and Ghulam Ali as having performed in India to great acclaim, but he claimed that Indian artists, including the iconic Lata Mangeshkar, were never allowed similar access in Pakistan due to “systemic blockage.”

“There’s hardly any friendly feeling or warmth [right now] because of what has happened,” Akhtar said, referring to the April 22 Pahalgam attack in Indian-held Kashmir, for which India has blamed Pakistan. “This is not even the time to think about it.”

He added that Pakistani artists working in India end up benefiting only Pakistan’s military and “fundamentalists” who, in his view, want to prevent ordinary Pakistanis from seeing the “freedoms” enjoyed by Indian citizens.

The remarks came amid reports that Abir Gulaal, the upcoming Bollywood film starring Pakistani heartthrob Fawad Khan, will not be released in India due to heightened tensions between the two countries.

For Pasha, the issue is less about Akhtar’s words and more about how Pakistanis continue to revere Indian celebrities. Her response signals a growing fatigue among Pakistani artists and fans who have long borne the brunt of hostility while continuing to express admiration for Indian cultural figures — often without reciprocity.