Javed Akhtar recently talked about the horrific 2008 Mumbai attacks and the associated terrorists who are still freely roaming in Pakistan, as he attended an event held Lahore. The statement was critically viewed by many in Pakistan while in India the actor was lauded by some including Kangana Ranaut, which have left many actors in Pakistani like Saboor Aly, Shaan Shahid and Anoushey Ashraf go furious.
The literary event was held in his honor, moreover post his comment of anti-Pakistan in nature adding fuel to the fire which sparked controversies in Pakistan. Celebs claimed that the ‘self-respect’ of those Pakistanis who welcomed the writer with grace and respect have been hurt.
In a big sequenced post, Aly took to her Instagram Stories on Tuesday, and wrote, “Koi apne ghar mein aa kar beizzat kar ke ja raha hai upse khushi se shor machaya ja raha hai aur phir qadmoun mein baitha ja raha hae (Someone has insulted your country on your own soil, and you are celebrating him, honouring him with such joy, sitting at his feet). What a shame!”
She further added in Urdu, “All the educated illiterate – the so-called niche – you never gave the same respect to your own talent. There were so many artists in this country that didn’t even have money to afford healthcare at the end of their lives. Where were all of these appreciators of talent back then?”
Actor Shaan Shahid tweeted on Wednesday, “Inko Gujarat mein musalmanoon ke qatil ka tu pata hai lekin yeh khamosh hain… aur ab yeh sahab Pakistan main 26/11 ke mulzimoon ko dhoond rahay hain. Isko visa kis ne dia (He is quiet about those who killed Muslims in Gujarat, but wants to find those behind Mumbai attacks in Pakistan. Who gave him a visa to visit the country)?”
Actor-VJ Anoushey Ashrafwrote on Twitter, “Giving respect to a guest is essential. But never at the cost of your self-respect. The way some were hanging off javed akhtar sb’s leg in admiration was a tad bit extra willingness to please. Maybe he’d be weary of his words if we’d shown him the dignity we have (or lack?)” Actor Haroon Shahid also tweeted about Javed’s Pakistan visit. He said, “Saab (sir) attends a party here or is hosted by whosoever feels like they want to have fun with him but the problem that I have is about how we as a nation fail to see how we’re being used. Sadly, it will go on till we give our people the business and respect!” He also tweeted, “To my fellow Pakistani’s PLEASE STAND UP FOR YOUR COUNTRY!”
During the gathering for Faiz Festival in Lahore, a clip featured the writer who spoke in Urdu and addressed the audience, “The attackers weren’t from Norway, or from Egypt. They are still present in your country, so you should not be offended if an Indian complains about this.”
