‘I’d choose hell over Pakistan’: Javed Akhtar’s fiery stand ignites debate on identity and allegiance

Renowned poet, lyricist, and screenwriter Javed Akhtar sent shockwaves through the public discourse during a recent book launch in Mumbai by declaring that, if forced to choose, he would “prefer hell over Pakistan.”

His emotionally charged remarks, made in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor, have sparked a storm of reactions, laying bare the jagged contours of nationalism, identity, and ideological polarization across the subcontinent.

Akhtar, a voice both revered and reviled across borders, offered a piercing reflection on the double-edged response he receives from critics in India and Pakistan.

“Many people encourage me and praise me. But people from both sides abuse me. One side calls me a ‘kaafir’ destined for jahannum (hell), the other brands me a ‘jihadi’ and says I should go to Pakistan,” he said. “If I have to choose between hell and Pakistan, I would prefer hell.”

The lyricist’s blunt assertion wasn’t just a rebuke to Pakistan — it was a broader commentary on how balanced perspectives often incite rage from all camps, especially in a climate where echo chambers demand total allegiance.

Speaking on the Kashmir issue, Akhtar dismantled long-standing narratives that claim Kashmiris harbor loyalty toward Pakistan.

“This is a lie. When Pakistan attacked Kashmir after Independence, Kashmiris held them off for three days before our Army arrived. They fought, because they are Indians. 99% of Kashmiris are loyal to India,” he emphasized, challenging revisionist accounts and reinforcing the emotional and historical bond between Kashmir and India.

Akhtar’s comments land amid rising tensions, but also stem from his deep-rooted personal journey. Arriving in Mumbai at 19, he credits the city—and Maharashtra—for everything he has become.

“This city gave me my identity. My success is Indian. My spirit is Indian. There’s no question where I stand.”

While many have praised his courage, others accuse him of exacerbating already frayed relations. Still, Akhtar remains undeterred, navigating the storm with characteristic candor.

At its core, his statement is less about geopolitical antagonism and more about a profound assertion of national identity — one forged by struggle, loyalty, and unflinching clarity. As political and ideological lines harden, Akhtar’s voice reminds us that choosing a side often means risking the wrath of both.