Javed Akhtar Slams “Brainwashing” Behind the Hijab, Yet Condemns Bihar CM’s Forceful Action

A video from November 2025 featuring legendary lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar has resurfaced, sparking a heated debate on social media. In the clip, Akhtar argues that women who believe wearing a hijab or burqa is a personal “choice” are actually “brainwashed.”

However, despite his firm stance against the traditional concept of Parda (veil), Akhtar took to social media on Thursday, December 18, 2025, to strongly condemn Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for forcibly pulling a hijab off a woman’s face during a public event.

🧠 The “Brainwashing” Argument (November Event)

Speaking at the SOA Literary Festival, Akhtar questioned the logic of covering one’s face, attributing the practice to deep-seated peer pressure:

• Choice vs. Influence: “If she says she is doing it on her own, then she is brainwashed,” Akhtar remarked, suggesting that the “choice” is often a result of seeking appreciation from a specific social circle.
• Decency vs. Veiling: He advocated for “dignified” and “decent” dressing for both men and women (criticizing sleeveless shirts or shorts in professional settings) but maintained that a woman does not need to cover her face.
• The Logic: He asked rhetorically, “What is so vulgar or undignified about her face that it must be covered? Does she hate her face?”

🚫 The Nitish Kumar Incident and Akhtar’s Defense

The discussion gained fresh momentum following a controversial incident at the Bihar CM’s secretariat. During a ceremony to hand out appointment letters to 1,000 AYUSH doctors, CM Nitish Kumar reportedly pulled the hijab off a newly recruited female doctor’s face.

Javed Akhtar’s Clarification:

In a tweet on Thursday, Akhtar made a clear distinction between his personal ideology and the right to dignity:

“Every one who knows me… knows how much I am against the traditional concept of Parda, but it doesn’t mean that… I can accept what Mr. Nitish Kumar has done to a Muslim lady doctor. I condemn it in very strong words. Mr. Nitish Kumar owes an unconditional apology to the lady.”

💬 Public Reaction: Logic vs. Liberty

The internet remains divided on Akhtar’s comments and the CM’s actions:

• Supporters of Akhtar: Many on Reddit praised his “logical” approach, stating that common sense should prevail over “useless ideologies.”
• Critics: Some argue that by calling the choice “brainwashing,” Akhtar dismisses the agency of women who genuinely choose the garment as part of their identity.
• Outrage over CM’s Action: Across the board, social media users have condemned the Bihar CM’s behavior as an “overreach” and a violation of a woman’s personal space.

Summary of the Controversy