“You are already in hell,” Netizens roast Javed Akhtar over his anti-Pakistan remarks

Bollywood lyricist Javed Akhtar expressed his strong anti-Pakistan statements, stating that if given a choice between Pakistan and hell, he would choose the latter.

Speaking at the launch of Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut’s book in Mumbai, Akhtar addressed the criticism and abuse he receives on social media, stating that it comes from both Muslims and Hindus.

Former Maharashtra Chief Ministers Uddhav Thackeray and Sharad Pawar president were also present at the event. Akhtar acknowledged that while many support his views, others are sharply critical of him.

An atheist, Akhtar said that he faces abuse from people in Pakistan, where he is labelled an infidel, while in India, he is often accused of being pro-Pakistan or a jihadi.

“Some day, I’ll show you my Twitter (X) and WhatsApp. I face abuse from both sides,” he said. “If the abuse from one side stopped, I’d feel something is wrong. Perhaps I have made a mistake.”

He continued, “I am grateful to those who appreciate and encourage me, but it’s true that abuse comes from both sides.”

Read: Bushra Ansari lashes out at Javed Akhtar for promoting hatred against Pakistan

“One side says ‘You are a kaafir (non-believer) and will go to hell. The other side says, ‘Jihadi, go to Pakistan.’ If the choice is between Pakistan and hell, I would prefer to go to hell,” he added 

Despite being welcomed warmly during past visits to Pakistan, Akhtar continues to make harsh statements about the country. He expresses hostility towards Pakistan in an attempt to assert his loyalty to India, yet he still faces backlash from some Hindu groups due to his identity.

This is not the first instance of Akhtar making anti-Pakistan comments; his previous statements were excessively critical and expressed strong animosity toward Pakistanis. 

Javed Akhtar served as a nominated member of the Rajya Sabha, India’s Upper House of Parliament, from March 2010 to March 2016.

How does Javed Akhtar manage to play victim with such gumption? “People from both sides abuse me…If I have to choose between hell and Pakistan, I would prefer to go to hell.”

Meanwhile, here’s a pic of him enjoying himself in a place worse than hell. pic.twitter.com/NJKfzCvaHe pic.twitter.com/DsLUL5Utwf

— Farzana Versey (@farzana_versey) May 18, 2025

"If I have to choose between hell and Pakistan, I would prefer to go to hell۔۔۔"
Lyricist Javed Akhtar

You need not to choose hell,you are already in one 🇮🇳
pic.twitter.com/j2Vy9wmDwJ

— Halima (@HalimaS01) May 17, 2025

javed akhtar saying he’d rather choose hell over pakistan like yes self aware king that’s exactly where you belong ja na phir ?

— m*mo (@jwehcpe) May 18, 2025

Javed Akhtar technically calls India hell. https://t.co/geMCwrfrxS

— Nznn Ahmed (@na_nznn) May 18, 2025

Did you notice, Javed Akhtar indirectly called India 'Jahannum'?

— Muneeb Qadir (@muneebqadirmmq) May 19, 2025

I think Indians should take more offence from Javed Akhtar’s statement. He chose India and called it a hell. https://t.co/DJVZMDzPBP

— A Girl Who Pens (@agirlwhopens) May 18, 2025