“If It’s Between Hell And Pakistan, I’d Choose….”: Javed Akhtar’s Take Amid Cross-Border Tensions

Lyricist says he faces abuse from both extremes but prefers criticism over complacency

May 17, 2025 | Mumbai

Veteran lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar made a sharply-worded statement during a book launch event in Mumbai on Saturday, declaring that if forced to choose between “hell and Pakistan,” he would rather go to hell.

His comments came in the wake of Operation Sindoor and heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack.

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Speaking candidly in Hindi, the 79-year-old poet said he has long been targeted by extremists on both sides, receiving both praise and abuse in equal measure.

“If only one side is abusing you, something’s wrong. When both sides abuse you, you know you’re speaking the truth,” he said.

Akhtar added with a wry smile that one side calls him a “kaafir” destined for hell, while the other brands him a “jihadi” who should move to Pakistan.

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“Now if these are my only two choices, then I’d rather choose hell,” Akhtar remarked, drawing laughter and applause from the audience.
“I came to Mumbai at 19. Whatever I am today, I owe to this city and to Maharashtra.”

🔁 Continues Criticism of Pakistan’s Kashmir Narrative

This isn’t the first time Javed Akhtar has taken aim at Pakistan’s propaganda. Earlier this month, he accused the neighbouring country of falsely portraying Kashmiris as pro-Pakistan.

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“That’s a lie,” he asserted, recalling how Kashmiris resisted Pakistani intruders for three days after Partition, before the Indian Army arrived.

“They (Pakistan) spread disinformation. But the truth is, Kashmiris are Indians, and 99% of them are loyal to India.”

Akhtar also expressed concern over the impact of recent violence on Kashmir’s tourism-dependent economy, saying locals were the most hurt by such terror attacks.

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Javed Akhtar, Operation Sindoor, India Pakistan tensions, Kashmir conflict, cross-border terrorism, Pahalgam attack, Indian politics, extremism, freedom of expression, OperationSindoor,