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Javed Akhtar would rather go to hell than visit Pakistan

Javed Akhtar would rather go to hell than visit Pakistan

The Indian screenwriter and lyricist appears to thrive on occasional bouts of headline-hogging commentary, as illustrated by his latest comments.
19 May, 2025

Javed Akhtar is in his word-vomit era, and we’re not talking about ‘Dard-e-Disco’. The Indian screenwriter and lyricist, who appears to thrive on occasional bouts of headline-hogging commentary, recently said he’d rather go to hell than Pakistan. This, coming from someone who’s spent a considerable part of the last decade basking in standing ovations at Pakistani literature festivals, feels a bit rich.

“People from both sides abuse me,” he said at the launch of Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut’s new book Narkatla Swarg in Mumbai on Saturday. “One calls me a kaafir, saying I will go to hell. The other calls me a jihadi, asking me to go to Pakistan. So, if I only have a choice of going either to hell or to Pakistan, I would rather like to go to hell.”

To his credit, he did add that he receives praise too, not just vitriol. But that didn’t soften the blow of the comment — especially given the country’s history of hosting and honouring him.

Needless to say, Pakistanis weren’t amused. Most told him he was most welcome to go where he pleased.

Actor Zhalay Sarhadi responded with a biting one-liner, “You are there sir! The choice was made for you. Also, stop with the Pakistan obsession. Many other countries out there that would, most definitely, also not want you.”

Sharmila Faruqui gave him a more diplomatic dressing down, “To say you’d choose hell over Pakistan doesn’t insult Pakistan — it only exposes the venom within you. Pakistan’s worth isn’t measured by the bitterness of those who have long abandoned fairness and grace. This land is far greater than your hate, and will outlive your spite.”

Actor Ahsan Mohsin Ikram was less forgiving. Taking to his Instagram stories, he wrote, “A moment of silence for all those Pakistani celebrities who welcomed this man with open arms. Shame on all those celebrities — you gave respect to a man who has no respect for the country you belong to. Just for your personal benefit, you welcomed him. Shame!”

Ikram’s 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 after his “one-way traffic” comment.

Akhtar’s comments are especially strange considering how often he has been hosted here, not under duress or protest, but as a celebrated guest. His past appearances at literature festivals and cultural events in Pakistan have been met with packed halls, glowing praise, and reverence for his contributions to poetry and film.

Akhtar’s timing couldn’t have been worse. Last week, India and Pakistan were on the brink of war. In this charged atmosphere, his quip about preferring hell over Pakistan doesn’t just read as a personal grievance, it echoes the rhetoric of the Modi regime. By making such a statement, he risks lending his voice to narratives that fuel division and conflict, rather than promoting the cultural understanding he once championed.

Not long before this latest jab, Akhtar had publicly lamented the lack of reciprocity from Pakistan when it comes to artistic collaborations. “We have received their artists with open arms,” he had said, pointing to India’s embrace of legends like Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and Mehdi Hasan. “But this has never been reciprocated [by the Pakistani establishment].”

This leads us to wonder, which one is it — the longing for cross-border cultural exchange or declarations about hell and Pakistan being interchangeable?

Maybe it’s not about Pakistan at all. Maybe it’s about staying in the headlines and using any means to stay there.

Comments

Gurpreet Singh May 19, 2025 04:09pm
He’s right in so many ways.
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JAMIL SOOMRO May 19, 2025 04:55pm
Now the Government of Pakistan should stamp his visa "permanently no entry in Pakistan ". Had Sir Syed Ahmad Khan been alive he would have certainly sent him to hell.?
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Raja Gilal May 19, 2025 05:07pm
This man has gone insane in hostility with Pakistan. Did not expect such a statement from iconic lyricist.
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Ahmed May 19, 2025 05:10pm
Adil Hashmi. Adil Hashmi. Adil Hashmi.
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R Syed May 19, 2025 05:10pm
Javed Akhter is no body he was boasting about he introduced Amitab Bachman an angry hero . Akhtar is over rated movie writer and become so called intellectual ,he is trying very hard to be in the news . His movies stories were almost all copy from other work . He should be keep his mouth shut . The real
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M. Siddique May 19, 2025 05:26pm
Hell won't be much different than where you live. Suit yourself.
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Jan Shaikh May 19, 2025 05:37pm
I am very disappointed and annoyed too! Surprised to observe the literary and philosophical shallowness of this so called legend. Pakistan is a country of more than 200 million people, and all of them do not think and behave in the same way. This comment is not about the land , but people of Pakistan. And this is the most worse type of stereotyping. I never expected this type of comment from Javed Akhtar. Go to hell!
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Taj Ahmad May 19, 2025 05:48pm
I suggest, Honorable Javed Akhtar Sahib should be named as Ambassador of India to Pakistan. We need both nations must stand together and united instead of hate and disrespect to one another. Remember before 1947 we were one nation and fought for freedom of India from British rule.❤️
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Jayant Kulkarni May 19, 2025 05:54pm
What about those actors who worked with and in India and now curse India? Are they angels?
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Fazal Rizvi May 19, 2025 05:54pm
Your destination is all set for you as you have chosen! However, it might be a good idea to get a taste of Paradise and visit Pakistan, before you reach your final chosen destination.
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Shan Haq May 19, 2025 05:55pm
He is arrogant and highly self opinionated
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Ahmed May 19, 2025 05:56pm
You want to burn in fire? But why? I live in Pakistan. I'm not burning in fire.
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Nisar May 19, 2025 06:04pm
I would put a lifelong ban on him from visiting Pakistan,,, he has no morals and character,, let him fool the Indian public not us,,, personally a man has no religion how can you ever trust him,, he is a hypocrite,, all of Pakistanis should boycott him
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Ghaznavi May 19, 2025 06:10pm
What Javed Akhtar has implied is that he is living in hell.
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Laila May 19, 2025 06:44pm
I mean Hell is definitely hotter than Pakistan. No amount of SPF even exists to counter the heat and UV rays of Hell.Also they don't have our tasty cusine. But each to his/her own. I just prefer Pakistan, Mr Akhtar.
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HUSSEINALLY j hASHAM May 19, 2025 06:49pm
Aged - lost his memory
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Tariq Mahmood May 19, 2025 06:52pm
JA good job you have to travel far as you are already there!
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Multani May 19, 2025 06:57pm
Can’t understand why he dislikes us so much when he knows we are his family and roots and not Indians who are ready to kick him out.
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Aamir Akram May 19, 2025 07:02pm
Javed Who?
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Reality May 19, 2025 07:34pm
Why the so called A-listers didn't comment...the B listers of c category looking for their 2 mins of fame
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reyaz May 19, 2025 07:40pm
He is a song lyricist, not an intellectual
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Raja Rafique Ahmed May 19, 2025 07:45pm
How far they people have gone in hostility of Pakistan. This is unfortunate that an iconic lyricist expresses venomous about his Muslim neighbouring country.
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DR S K GHOSH May 19, 2025 07:53pm
TRUTH HURTS
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mazhar May 19, 2025 08:03pm
Under Modi and hindutwa India is slipping away to become home of hate and terrorism. Javed Akhtar's comments are signifying this change. Fehmida Riaz once warned them "Tum bhi ham jaisey nikley Ab tak kahan chupey thay bhai "
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Theordinaryman May 19, 2025 08:13pm
Look at me look at me!
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Fayzan Fayyaz Mirza May 19, 2025 08:21pm
He needs to clarify what he wanted to say. On one hand if I read it as his patriotism so he is saying "he would prefer to go to hell then abandon his country" on the other if I read it as his diatribe against Pakistan, he intends to say "hell is better than Pakistan". So he needs to be clear about what he is saying and when.
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Ghazal May 19, 2025 08:27pm
Who is this man?
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Imtiaz Ali Khan May 19, 2025 08:28pm
All words we know he loves humanity in both nations and the world. Due to politics he will never speak the truth. We love you and there are good people on both sides of the man made border. Always be the one to unite brothers not divide! IndoPakBangla Blood Brothers 4 Life!
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Abdul May 19, 2025 09:00pm
Very good jee
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Aamir May 19, 2025 09:10pm
He is already living in hell for Muslims. It's called India
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Azam Chowdhry May 19, 2025 09:39pm
Javed Akhtar Sahab, You are a legend transcending borders, cherished globally for your art. Pakistanis, renowned for hospitality, would still welcome you despite your recent remarks, unbecoming of your stature and being husband of Shabana Azmi. Reflecting on your words, you may realize the unintended harm. Your humility and actions can mend the damage, reaffirming your legacy. Sincerely. Azam Chowdhry USA
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Ali May 19, 2025 10:05pm
Did someone ask him to reveal his ultimate fate ?
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Irfan Afzal May 19, 2025 10:15pm
The choice is yours; then ...
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hasnain May 19, 2025 10:16pm
yes that would be great. please go to hell ;)
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Ali May 19, 2025 10:35pm
Has anyone told him that he is already living in "HELL". We Pakistanis are happy that this kind of guy who is full of vomit against Pakistan is NOT part of our nation. In future he should not be invited and welcomed in beautiful Pakistan EVER!!!! PAKISTAN ZINDABAD!!!
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Haris May 19, 2025 10:50pm
Between Heaven and Hell, he chose the later. Good for you.
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Mujibur Rahman May 19, 2025 11:04pm
He can go to hell, come back and go again, who gives a damn
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Mahmood Ayub May 19, 2025 11:34pm
A sick man
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Jay K Raman May 20, 2025 12:21am
Why are you so upset. Every person has a right to express his or her opinion.
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Khushnood Ali May 20, 2025 12:59am
He's already a resident of hell.
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hussainAhmed May 20, 2025 01:45am
He is telling the truth, frogs living in well , think that is entire word , similarly for Pakistanis , Pakistan is best ! lol , not knowing its living hell compared to civil world outside
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Saima Siddiqui May 20, 2025 04:06am
I don't know which Hell he wishes to go, I thought he is already residing there. Javed Akhter… tum bhi Na …
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fahad rizvi May 20, 2025 04:54am
he might go there sooner thank he thinks, he is not only insulting pakistan but also mocking hell :P
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Hamid Khawaja May 20, 2025 05:23am
If the man wants to go to Hell, let us bid him farewell. He has earned it.
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Syed Rahman May 20, 2025 05:37am
Well all he is doing is praying to go to hell. Just say Ameen and move on
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Ali May 20, 2025 05:41am
That's suit him better than going to Pakistan
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Abdul May 20, 2025 07:13am
Javed is free to go to hell anytime he wants.
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Krishna May 20, 2025 07:47am
Javed saab right as always
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Syed Irfan Mahmood May 20, 2025 07:56am
The issue is not one of Mr. Akhtar’s timing, but rather the consistent hostility he exhibits whenever Pakistan is discussed. He calls for reciprocity in the treatment of artists from his country, yet overlooks the significant disparity between the entertainment industries on both sides. It would be prudent and dignified for Pakistani audiences to disengage from his work—ceasing to follow him, listen to his music, or view his films.
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Mullah May 20, 2025 08:01am
For Indians Javed Akthat is a patriot. For Pakistanis now he has become a bad person. In India probably there are thousands of Muslims like him for whom the country comes first. It probably shows how Muslims are treated in India. If the dirty Congress does not exploit the Muslims, they probably would be much better off.
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Surendra Sukhtankar May 20, 2025 08:16am
Javed Bhai is a patriotic Indian ! Mera juta hai Japani , meri patloon Ingistani, sarpe lal topi Rusi, Phil bhi dil hai Hindustani. Samze Buddu?
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Asif May 20, 2025 08:39am
Then sir, as you wish, go to HELL.
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Masood May 20, 2025 08:42am
Javed Akhter is a biggest hypocrite
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Ms.Rizvi May 20, 2025 09:18am
Who cares what he has to say
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Anonymouseee May 20, 2025 10:11am
I wonder how those shameless Pakistani celebrities feel who welcomed this excuse of a human being to Pakistan, while sitting at his feet. Have some dignity.
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alliabsolutions May 20, 2025 10:21am
Let us forgive Jawed Akhtar for his age is now beyond sensible thought process. He is now in incompetence stage.
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Zulfiqar Ansari May 20, 2025 10:36am
Why do even intellectuals from India promote hate, while I have never observed such behavior from Pakistani intellectuals?
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Saif May 20, 2025 10:42am
Akhter ‘would rather go to hell than to Pakistan’. Well, then he doesn’t have to go anywhere, he is right there - in the hell! India is nothing short of it.
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Aamir May 20, 2025 11:05am
Good luck in hell sir.
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Abu Yusuf Shukri May 20, 2025 11:21am
Javed Akhtar is no more than a street performer. Let him say what he wants to just dont give him any unnecessary importance.
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Adam Seeker May 20, 2025 11:56am
Well said Javed Akhtar.
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United Together May 20, 2025 12:15pm
Love India - Love Pakistan - Love Bangladesh. Let’s our politicians and religious pundits know that we are united and love each other’s and no one else can break us apart.
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GHALIBJEE May 20, 2025 12:42pm
YES
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Talha May 20, 2025 12:53pm
I don't think we should take his comments that seriously. We need to have a thick skin.
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Rayhan May 20, 2025 12:59pm
This person lost sanity due to the venom inside him against Pakistan. Biasness at its worst form.
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Alam May 20, 2025 01:05pm
He is genuinely hypocritical.
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Badshah May 20, 2025 01:15pm
Waste of time giving this fellow any importance! He doesn't have to "choose' hell, he's already destined for it He has never kept his commitments, not with his earlier family nor with his partner. Lay him a carpet to hell, carpet made in Pakistan!
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SAYEM May 20, 2025 01:52pm
He doesn't need to worry about that, he is already in hell
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Mekal Faruki May 20, 2025 02:53pm
India is Hell according to Javed Akhtar. Javed lives in India aka Hell and prefers that to Pakistan. Javed insulted India.
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Mekal Faruki May 20, 2025 02:54pm
Javed Akhtar is a very ignorant uneducated man
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Rashid Arshed May 20, 2025 04:57pm
Javed Akhtat too has the right to earn his bread.
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Bayu Marrukh May 20, 2025 08:29pm
شاعر آدمی ہے اس کی باتوں کا زیادہ مطلب نہیں بس الفاظ کی بازی گری ہے ۔ اپنے ملک کو جنت سمجھو اور بناؤ باقی دنیا خود ہی مان جائ گی ۔
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JAMIL SOOMRO May 21, 2025 12:42am
@ Gurpreet Singh Sardarji I can see you love Pakistani Website DAWN.
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Humza May 21, 2025 06:34am
Who cares what this Indian thinks. Akhtar is Indian and belongs in India with his own people. He is not our family nor do we have anything to do with him. He has more in common with other Indians so let him continue with his family and friends in India and we should permanently ban his coming to Pakistan - as far as I am concerned we should ban all Indians from coming to Pakistan.
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Laila May 21, 2025 02:59pm
@Gurpreet Singh But how can you say that when you have never visited Pakistan. In my city we get a lot of Indian Sikhs visiting. So it can't be that bad. You are welcome to visit Pakistan, you know?
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