Javed Akhtar Reflects on Ideological Backlash at Sanjay Raut’s Book Launch Amid India-Pakistan Tensions

 Mumbai,  – At the launch of Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut’s latest book, Narkatla Swarg, in Mumbai, veteran lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar delivered a candid and poignant reflection on the ideological backlash he faces from both Hindu and Muslim communities. The event unfolded against the backdrop of heightened India-Pakistan tensions following India’s Operation Sindoor, a series of targeted missile strikes on Pakistani terror camps in response to a deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir.

Addressing the audience, Akhtar spoke with characteristic candor about the dual criticism he endures due to his outspoken views on religion, politics, and society. “People from both sides abuse me. One calls me a Kaafir (infidel), saying that 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,” he remarked, eliciting a mix of laughter and applause from the gathered crowd. The statement underscored the intensity of the hostility he faces from extremists across the ideological spectrum.

Akhtar was quick to acknowledge that the criticism is not one-sided, emphasizing the polarized nature of the backlash. “People from both sides abuse me. It’s not one-sided. I would be very ungrateful if I don’t admit that there are people who also appreciate me. Many support me, praise me, and encourage me,” he added, recognizing the encouragement he receives from a broader audience. However, he noted that the abuse from extremists has become a persistent reality in his life. “This is also true that the extremists from this side abuse me, so do the extremists from the other side. This is the reality. If even one of them stops abusing me, I will call it an anomaly and think that I must have made a mistake,” he stated, reflecting on the consistency of the criticism as a marker of his unyielding stance.

A former Rajya Sabha member from 2010 to 2016, nominated by the President, Akhtar has long been a prominent voice in India’s cultural and political discourse, often stirring debate with his forthright commentary. His remarks at the event resonated deeply in the context of the ongoing India-Pakistan conflict, which has further polarized public sentiment.

Narkatla Swarg, the book launched at the event, offers an in-depth chronicle of Sanjay Raut’s political journey and personal experiences, shedding light on the contemporary political landscape of Maharashtra. The launch was attended by several notable figures, including Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray and NCP leader Sharad Pawar, underscoring the event’s significance in the region’s political circles.