As tensions between India and Pakistan escalated recently over Operation Sindoor, a section of social media users criticised Bollywood celebrities for maintaining silence on the issue. Accusations flew that the stars, who are often vocal on other matters, refrained from commenting on the situation. In response, celebrated Bollywood lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar hit back at such critics, defending the industry and questioning the expectations placed on the celebrities.
During an interview with Lallantop, Akhtar addressed the allegations. "I do speak up. I've always spoken. Sometimes people don't like what I say, sometimes they do. But I say what I believe is true," he said.
He pointed out that while some Bollywood figures are politically active, others may simply be focussed on their work. "If someone isn't speaking, so what? The country is speaking. Many people are. Some are busy making more money or building their name. Let them."
Akhtar also recalled a recent public event he attended, where a member of the audience questioned why Bollywood, despite making nationalistic films, remained silent on Operation Sindoor. "I told them, if you believe in speaking up on every issue, stand up and tell me which government policy you’ve opposed in the last 15 years," he recounted.
Challenging the selective outrage, Akhtar added, "Anyone can speak on convenient or light topics. But those who accuse others must also show the courage to speak up on serious and uncomfortable matters. Jaha convenient hai bolna vaha aasaan hai, jaha khatra hai vaha bol ke dikhao."
Earlier, during an event, Akhtar had said that if his only two choices are between going to hell and Pakistan, he would choose hell. Before that, he had also called out the neighbouring country for spreading propaganda that 'Kashmiris are Pakistanis at heart'.
Hostilities between India and Pakistan escalated after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 26 people, most of them tourists. In retaliation, the Indian armed forces launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, targeting nine terror camps located in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
