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‘The fault lies with us’: Mansha Pasha says Pakistanis lack ‘self-respect’ after Javed Akhtar’s comments

‘The fault lies with us’: Mansha Pasha says Pakistanis lack ‘self-respect’ after Javed Akhtar’s comments

The actor weighed in on the Indian screenwriter's comments about the ongoing ban on Pakistani artists in India.
01 May, 2025

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.

Comments

Syed Irfan Ali May 01, 2025 12:02pm
As always, very well said Mansha.
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Mullah May 01, 2025 12:23pm
Javed Akthar is a patriot and he is a strait talker. He speaks the truth.
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Riffat May 01, 2025 12:42pm
Well done Mansha , at least someone answered from Pakistan, I also raised this point why a woman was sitting in his feet while making photographs, we have no self respect , he talked against Pakistan and no one bothered to answer
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Shahid Mahmood khan May 01, 2025 01:04pm
These artists if at all they are ,mostly are actors but don't call themselves out of inferiority complex need to have some minimum dignity for themselves if not for country. Country is too big for such types who are always looking towards Indians for their cheap popularity and image .
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Azher May 01, 2025 01:16pm
Indians actors would be welcomed but some of them, themselves don't come because of back slash in their country. India has recently also in cricket world cup shown their level of sportsmanship
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Jamil Awan May 01, 2025 02:29pm
I agree with Mansha Pasha, this man is always attacking our country, even when he is hosted in here! He is not a healthy critic. But they (and his wife) love to recite our national poets from Iqbal to Faiz to Faraz. I personally admire Atal Behari Wajpai and his intellectual honesty! They are hypocrites!
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Alli May 01, 2025 02:55pm
Pakistan must develop economy,tech industry, sports science ,then the second part of focus on the entertainment,art .
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ED May 01, 2025 03:00pm
You are publishing selective extracts of what Javed Akhtar said. The context was, the Pakistani host herself mentioned - we are not a nation of bombs and attacks (without anyone mentioning it). Then Akhtar reacted so, and also mentioned that Indians feel aggrieved that the 26/11 perpetrators were roaming free in Pakistan. You madam, have no right to talk about self-respect when you are turning blind to inconvenient truths.
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Hasni, Syed May 01, 2025 03:23pm
India and Pakistan share a profound and intertwined cultural and linguistic heritage that reflects centuries of shared history and human experience. This connection is evident in their celebrations, cuisine, music, and art, where festivals like Diwali and Eid bring people together, and culinary delights such as biryani and kebabs are enjoyed across both nations. Their musical traditions resonate with common roots, from classical styles to folk dances, while literature flourishes in both Urdu and Hindi, showcasing similar themes and poetic expressions. The languages themselves, with their intertwined vocabularies and scripts, highlight a shared linguistic journey. Historically, before the partition in 1947, the two countries were part of a singular narrative, shaped by the influences of various empires and the movement of people. This shared past has fostered interrelationships that transcend borders, with Sufism promoting a spirit of inclusivity and spiritual connection. Ultimately, the cultural and linguistic ties between India and Pakistan serve as a reminder of our common humanity, illustrating how shared traditions, values, and experiences can bridge divides and celebrate the richness of our collective heritage. No over cares if someone sit on the feet or the head, we know our past. -In lands where rivers weave their ancient tales India and Pakistan share a bond that never pales
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Akhtar May 01, 2025 03:44pm
First let me know whether Akhtar Javed is Muslim by religion? If so, to say condescending remarks about Pakistani artists by him is his cringing to Hindus for his survival. People like him are slave by heart. Let them do whatever they do. We as Pakistanis have nothing to to with these mean and cheap people.
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Gurpreet Singh May 01, 2025 04:15pm
I don’t know who this lady is but I agree with her. Your people follow our entertainers because their own are of low caliber.
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Maimoona Asad Raza May 01, 2025 05:09pm
Bravo Mansha! You spoke for every Self redoect8ng Pakistani. Javed Akhtar is a quintessential example of the Urdu idiom ' " Shah sae ziada Shah kae wafadar". He has been always been in a most biased critic of Pakistan and eager to please the Indian jingoistoc audience. While various festival organisers and Complexed Pakistani celebrities shamelessly act as his psycophants
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Asim Zafar May 01, 2025 05:50pm
Spot on!
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SK May 01, 2025 06:09pm
Nothing new ! I guess the education system doesnt teach analysis skills. Mr. Akhtar comments in literary fest were in response to your own anchor statement about your country & its a fact. Did Latha Mangeshkar perform in Pakistan ? Respect is earned ! Pakistan as a country never made that effort, so if your self respect matter do the needful!
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Azmat Ali Shah May 01, 2025 06:30pm
He talked bad about Pakistan, that is beside the point- Pak women artists sitting at his feet was cringeworthy enough, even if he hadn't done any of that badmouthing. One need to maintain his dignity but Pak artists are always sucking up to the Bollywood stars, no self respect.
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Omair May 01, 2025 06:48pm
Mansha Pasha is absolutely right. No need to allow Jawaid Akhtar's visits in future. He is not worthy of invitation.
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Abdulhaq Syed May 01, 2025 06:52pm
She is correct. As a Kashmiri who loves Pakistan in spite of its many failures, I am aghast at the stupidity, sycophancy and deferential attitude of Pakistani artists towards a shallow, incompetent and Islamophobic Bollywood. Pakistani artists have so much talent, but for some reason lack self respect and confidence.
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Ehsan May 01, 2025 07:18pm
We have a inferiority complex
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Hasni, Syed May 01, 2025 07:22pm
We cherish Javed Akhtar, his voice is our mother tongue, With songs that weave our stories, forever young. He dances with joy on Eid and Diwali's night, Savoring kebabs and biryani, a true delight! Any one from India who will do this, we will sit on his feet !!
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Merry May 01, 2025 07:32pm
Hahahaha he has no choice any other words and he wont b able to live in peace.. STRAIT TALKER buaahahahahaha
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Sameer Marathe May 01, 2025 07:33pm
These hostilities will persist as long as kashmir issue is not resolved. My view is that it will never be resolved if we leave it for respective govts to decide. Only solution for this is that people in both countries come on road and press the govts to call for referendum in Kashmir to let Kashmiris decide where they want to go. Whatever is Kashmiris views shud be respected by both govt. That should resolve this once and for all
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Saeed Memon May 01, 2025 07:35pm
Well done Mansha. I completely agree with you. Even anchor Mansoor Ali Khan very proudly mentioned that he has SKR tel#. What a shame.
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Hashim Syed May 01, 2025 07:42pm
Most celebrities entered the industry through skin color, privileged connections, and without merit or struggle. This lack of self-respect stems from such unearned privilege — though ironically, Mansha Pasha and her husband come from the same elite class.
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yasid pathan May 01, 2025 07:53pm
lol javed akhtar is world famous indian and he has put the truth bare of pakistanis ....as a matter of fact .. who is this female ? she is Not even known in her own country ........ no one cares for their frustration n there are many like her in her nation
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Love Your Country May 01, 2025 08:17pm
Akhtar's survival in 'democratic India' demand what he is doing/saying. The 'stars' on either side of the boarder serve nobody except their self interest - period.
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Hassan May 01, 2025 08:24pm
Very true
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Manish May 01, 2025 08:38pm
Haha....it's the secular India which gave pakistani musicians a life...but the mistake lies with us...a snake is always a snake ..
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Inaam May 01, 2025 08:57pm
Akhtar is no straight talker - most of his comments arebuasedher forgets clapping is never with one hand - the issues between two countries are because of poor thought process on both sides. We should just give up for Indians to be unbiased.
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Harry May 01, 2025 09:27pm
Well said, Javed Akhtar Saab!
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Raja Khawar May 01, 2025 09:48pm
Who say people now like Bollywood stars it's Pakistan time good songs good poetry indians only copy them make video for fame dramas are excellent and we should upgrade movies made movies against terrorism sponsor by India well done Mansha I think rest stars are quite to get some movie in Bollywood oh common it's ott time make your own and look for Hollywood or European or far east Asia cinemas middle east
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M. Saeed May 01, 2025 10:27pm
The sadhu Javed Akhtar saffroni is always a covert passive hundutva activist.
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Dahir May 01, 2025 10:48pm
Good just stay away and don't come in bollywood
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Jamil Awan May 01, 2025 11:37pm
I agree with your beautiful comment and its true that both countries enjoy common cultural bonds, unfortunately these bonds have been in depression for the last decade. It is religious fanaticism from both sides. From our side the muslim zelouts from the Indian side Hindutva and RSS. The tragic event that took place in South Kashmir has nothing to do with Pakistan as a state. Here in Europe many incidents happened especially in France but no Islamic country was involved or accused by France. We also know how the Modi government treats Muslims, could it be an internal problem? Within 10 minutes of the incident, Pakistan was accused by the Indian government and some people like Javed Akter, Omer Abdullah and others. It seems that there was a race among these people to please Mr Modi!
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Tahreem May 02, 2025 12:24am
It's about time Pakistani artists show some self respect!
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Kashmiri May 02, 2025 12:44am
India doesn’t need Pakistani artist. Pakistani artists need India
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IndianLindu May 02, 2025 12:51am
Indian Muslims trying to fit into the RSS narrative is cringe
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Javed Iqbal May 02, 2025 02:30am
Very well said Mansha Patel. Self respect is lacking from our side. I know very rich Indian families here who prefer to buy Pk clothes and among their own social circles never fail to praise Pakistani fashion designers. A personal friend always asked me to bring Breeza for her teenage daughter. They now live in England and have found Breeza outlet in London..........
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karamat hussain May 02, 2025 02:46am
He is not a patriot but a Judas telling blatant lies. He is obviously without any self-respect or dignity. Peple like him always have a bad ending because the community they try to appease soon see the cheapness of traitors like him. He is just trying to sustain his comfortable life stylr at the expense of his fellow muslims who are currently being persecuted in India.
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Ron May 02, 2025 04:37am
Have self-respect Hania and Fahad
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Vin May 02, 2025 05:27am
@Azher Not true. There was a time when Indian cricketer do use to visit Pakistan.
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Money Matters May 02, 2025 07:16am
Javed is a straight shooter. We need to do some introspection instead of shooting the messenger.
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Ram Prasad May 02, 2025 07:28am
Its the other way around. As usual lies Should introspect why great Indian artists were not allowed in Pakistan to perform.
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Laila May 02, 2025 07:35am
Generally speaking, Pakistanis do lack self-respect, righteousness, courage and honor. This is why we never take stand for when it matters. What some Bollywood guy says is irrelevant. Whats more pressing are issues in our own society and inside our borders. This country has become spineless. It's been going on for decades if not centuries.
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Saracen Blade May 02, 2025 08:14am
Javed Akhtar came to Pakistan in 2023, criticized Pakistan and he always does in every forum. Would India allow any Pakistani artist to highlight the bias attitude of Indian government towards Indian Muslims?
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Ghazan Ali May 02, 2025 08:26am
Why the emphasis on Javed Akhtar? As a commercial poet, his opinions may not warrant such attention, and his ignorance can be off-putting.
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Surendramohan Nanduru May 02, 2025 09:58am
Hansie sayeed. People from both the sides of the border will not understand your narrative. The need brains and thinking to bring down a highly explosive situation. It's easy to razeup than simmer it. People should be educted properly.
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Saracen Blade May 02, 2025 11:26am
If Javed is a straight talker, why he doesn’t speak against Indian army of occupation in Kashmir?
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Shakoor May 02, 2025 11:47am
On one side, Akhtar says that no one in Pakistan specially establishment respects indian artists but on other side he used objectionable remarks during his visit in Pakistan. How can he get respect with bad mouth?
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Vinay May 02, 2025 01:01pm
He didn't say anything against Pakistan, but their establishment. Upto their citizens how to receive them. They should only debate whether his views are true or not, instead of complaining that he expressed them
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Ashfaque May 02, 2025 04:15pm
I support the lady. She is the beauty and the wise.
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Saadia Khalid May 02, 2025 04:33pm
Rightly said! Our artists should rise above the Indian Complex , and value themselves. Majority of our artists are much better than Indians. They don't need the Indian industry to boost them, which it will never do. Good to see a talented person like Mansha expressing herself accurately.
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Hasni, Syed May 02, 2025 10:28pm
Absolutely! Giving respect to others for their work not only fosters a positive and collaborative environment but also reflects strength and maturity in character. Acknowledging the efforts and contributions of others enhances relationships, builds trust, and encourages a culture of appreciation. When we celebrate the achievements of those around us, we elevate not just them but ourselves as well, creating a community where everyone can thrive. In recognizing the value in others, we demonstrate that true greatness comes from lifting each other up, not diminishing anyone's worth. Pakistan will always be proud to honor the brightest of India.
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Hasni, Syed May 02, 2025 10:51pm
My Narrative is not new, it's the same as Mahatmas, After the partition of India in 1947, Mahatma Gandhi's stance emphasized peace, reconciliation, and communal harmony. He opposed the partition, fearing it would lead to violence and suffering, and tirelessly worked to quell the resulting communal riots. Gandhi advocated for the rights and support of displaced refugees and stressed the importance of dialogue between Hindus and Muslims to foster mutual respect. He condemned violence from both sides and envisioned a future where India and Pakistan could coexist peacefully as neighbors, promoting cooperation and goodwill. His commitment to non-violence and compassion guided his efforts to heal the divisions created by partition. I consider him the first Martyr of Pakistan.
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Hasni, Syed May 02, 2025 11:26pm
My Narrative is same as the Philosopher of Pakistan, thinker of Pakistan Allama Iqbal Who in 1905 said, Better than the entire world, is our India, We are its nightingales, and it (is) our garden abode later on, when he coined the two nation Theory he said, Chin (which refers to China or Chinese Turkestan) is ours; Arabia is ours; India is ours, We are Muslims and the whole world is our homeland He always considered the people of INDIA his own.
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TANWEER May 03, 2025 06:00am
NO SOFT SPOT FOR SUCH PAKISTAN ENTERTAINERS WHO HAVE NO SELF-ESTEEM, NO SELF-RESPECT, THE WAY THEY ARE TREATED IN INDIA - IF WORKING IN INDIA INSPITE OF HUMILIATION THEY FACE, THEN THEY DESERVE SUCH DISRESPECT IN INDIA
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Suresh May 03, 2025 08:35am
Akhtar Jee put a pointed question as to why the artists exchange is only one side event. He asked why Lata Mangeshkar was not allowed to perform in Pakistan. There is no reply so far.
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