‘My people are all Indians, including you’: Javed Akhtar gives strong response to religious statements
Veteran lyricist, screenwriter and poet Javed Akhtar has once again found himself responding to online criticism after sharing his views on former US President Donald Trump. Akhtar, who is known for fearlessly expressing his views on social and political issues, recently criticized Trump’s comments about Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, sparking a new controversy on social media.Moving on to X, Javed Akhtar disputed Trump’s claim that Meloni “begged” him for a photo. He wrote in a strong response: “Trump, known for lying day after day, has added another lie to his never-ending list of lies.”
Javed Akhtar questions Trump’s statement about Giorgia Meloni
The famous writer went on to defend the Italian leader, arguing that there was no good reason for a prominent global figure like Meloni to seek endorsement from Trump.“First of all, why would a confident, high-profile, popular and empowered woman, the Prime Minister of a great country like Italy, who has taught so much good culture, art, architecture and cinema to Mr. Trump’s country, beg for a photo with the least popular man in the world,” Akhtar wrote.He also added that even if such a request were made, flaunting it publicly would be inappropriate. “What kind of cheap, immodest and rude man would demand that at a press conference?”
Troll brings religion into the conversation
While many users reacted to Akhtar’s political remarks, one social media user tried to shift the discussion towards religion. In response to his post, that person referred to Akhtar’s perceived religious identity and wrote a comment targeting what he described as the writer’s “community.”
The statement sparked an immediate response from Akhtar, who once again made clear a position he has repeatedly maintained over the decades.
Javed Akhtar says: ‘I am an atheist’
By stopping the religious insinuation, Akhtar reminded the user that he does not profess any faith and identifies as an atheist. “If your petty and backward little mind is able to understand the well-known fact that I am an atheist (perhaps you are not familiar with this word. It means a person who does not believe in any religion), then do not tell me about my people (my community).”
He replied: “My people are all Indians, including you.”The response quickly gained attention online, with many users praising the veteran writer for firmly reiterating his long-standing stance on religion and identity.The exchange did not end there. Another user advised Akhtar to stay away from political comments altogether, stating that he should just focus on songwriting. “Stay calm and irrelevant. Politics is not your cup of tea.”
“Stick to writing songs,” the user commented.Akhtar was quick to respond. “Go, fly the kite. What qualifications do you have to give me this unsolicited advice? Who are you and what have you done in your life?” He shot back.
Javed Akhtar’s career outside cinema
Although he is widely known for writing songs and scripts for blockbuster films like ‘Sholay’, ‘Deewaar’, ‘Don’, ‘Mr. India’, ‘Zanjeer’ and ‘Lakshya’, Javed Akhtar’s contributions extend beyond the entertainment industry.The Padma Bhushan recipient served as a nominated member of the Rajya Sabha between 2010 and 2016 and has remained an active voice in public discourse. In 2020, he also became the first Indian to receive the prestigious Richard Dawkins Award, in recognition of his commitment to rationality, secular values and critical thinking.His latest social media exchange is yet another reminder that Akhtar continues to speak his mind without apology, whether the discussion is about politics, religion or public life.