Javed Akhtar Speaks Out: No Pakistani Artistes in India ‘At This Moment’
In the aftermath of the devastating Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives, controversy is swirling around a Bollywood film featuring Pakistani actor Fawad Khan. Titled Abir Gulal, the film, originally set for a May 9 release, has now been barred from screening in India. Amid growing tensions, veteran lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar has made his stance clear: Pakistani artistes should not be allowed to work in India—at least for now.
While speaking to PTI, the Sholay writer reflected on the imbalance in cultural exchange between the two nations. “There has always been one-way traffic,” Akhtar pointed out. “We have welcomed legends like Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Ghulam Ali, and Noor Jahan with open arms. Even Faiz Ahmad Faiz was honored like a head of state when he visited India during Vajpayee’s time. Unfortunately, such gestures have never been reciprocated by Pakistan.”
Akhtar emphasized that his concerns are not aimed at the people of Pakistan, but rather at systemic barriers that have prevented Indian icons from performing across the border. “Lata Mangeshkar was adored in Pakistan. Many Pakistani poets wrote lyrics for her, yet she never performed there. The love was there, but the system blocked it.”
He further argued that the ongoing cultural ban is a double-edged sword. “Blocking Pakistani artistes may appease certain sections in Pakistan—the Army and hardliners who prefer distance. But we must ask ourselves: who benefits from this divide?”
Despite the Bombay High Court rejecting a plea in 2023 to impose a blanket ban on Pakistani artistes, calls for stricter measures have intensified following the Pahalgam tragedy. Social media has been ablaze with demands to end artistic collaborations with Pakistan, especially in light of the public outrage surrounding Fawad Khan’s film.
Political parties and film associations continue to express staunch resistance against including Pakistani talent in Indian projects. And for now, as Javed Akhtar bluntly puts it, the answer is clear: “At this moment, I would say no.”
