Javed Akhtar Responds to Cancellation of Kolkata Event, Says Hostility From Hardliners Validates His Stand

Poet and lyricist Javed Akhtar has responded to the cancellation of a Kolkata literary event featuring him, remarking that opposition from both Hindu and Muslim hardliners only reinforces his long-held views.

The event, organised by the West Bengal Urdu Academy, was abruptly cancelled after certain Islamic groups objected to Akhtar’s participation, accusing him of making derogatory remarks about religion. Akhtar was scheduled to be the chief guest for a panel discussion on “Urdu in Hindi Cinema.”

Speaking to The Telegraph Online, Akhtar said he was unfazed by the backlash.

“I get hate mail from both sides. I believe as long as both Hindu and Muslim fundamentalists are abusing me, I am doing something right. My name, Javed Akhtar, has nothing to do with Islam—both words are Persian. It is only in India that names are linked with religion,” he noted.

Akhtar also reiterated his admiration for Kolkata, describing it as a city with a rich liberal and progressive ethos.

The cancellation triggered strong reactions from several prominent voices. Author Taslima Nasreen, in a post on X, criticised the Academy for capitulating to extremist pressure.

“Oh Urdu Academy! You cancelled the mushaira with Javed Akhtar because of jihadists’ threats. But did you condemn their threats when they tried to drive me out? You didn’t—you dismissed it as my personal problem. Now the same forces have pounced on you. Is this your problem now, or Javed Akhtar’s?” she wrote.

Nasreen warned that repeatedly yielding to such threats only emboldens extremists.

“Canceling anyone’s event at their command only empowers them. Time and again you bow before fanatical forces, and one day that monster will devour you too,” she cautioned.

The Academy’s decision has also drawn criticism from civil society. Poet-filmmaker Gauhar Raza termed it “deeply disturbing and unacceptable,” while civil rights groups such as APDR flagged the broader threat to democratic rights and freedom of expression.