The celebrated lyricist and screenwriter addresses social pressure on women and comments on the recent Bihar hijab controversy.
JavedAkhtar #BurqaDebate #FaceCovering #HijabControversy #NitishKumar #ViralVideo #IndiaNews #WomenChoice #LiteraryFestivalRenowned lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar questioned the logic behind face-covering at the SOA Literary Festival 2025, sparking a debate that has gone viral online. In a candid reply to a student asking why women become less strong if they cover their faces, Akhtar asked, “Why should you be ashamed of your face?” The video clip, originally recorded in November, gained traction amid the recent Bihar hijab row involving Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.
- The celebrated lyricist and screenwriter addresses social pressure on women and comments on the recent Bihar hijab controversy.
- Javed Akhtar Highlights Social Pressure Behind Burqa
- Face Covering Debate Gains Relevance Amid Bihar Hijab Row
- Key Statements from Javed Akhtar on Women and Choice
- Javed Akhtar Condemns Nitish Kumar’s Conduct
- Public Reaction and Social Media Buzz
- FAQ: Questions Burqa Logic in Viral Video: “Why Be Ashamed of Your Face?”
Javed Akhtar Highlights Social Pressure Behind Burqa
During the festival, Akhtar refrained from criticizing faith but emphasized social conditioning as a major factor influencing women to cover their faces. He described burqa-wearing as often a response to invisible peer pressure rather than a matter of personal choice.
Akhtar stated, “If given a choice, a woman who wears a burqa may be brainwashed. The decision is frequently shaped by societal expectations rather than genuine preference.”
Face Covering Debate Gains Relevance Amid Bihar Hijab Row
The discussion resurfaced recently after Bihar CM Nitish Kumar pulled the hijab of a newly recruited Muslim woman doctor, provoking nationwide criticism. Opposition parties condemned the act, questioning the chief minister’s conduct, while Akhtar shared his views supporting the doctor and criticizing the forced nature of face-covering.
Key Statements from Javed Akhtar on Women and Choice
Akhtar explained that covering one’s face is not inherently dignified or necessary, saying:
- “Why should a woman feel ashamed of her face?”
- “If society did not impose invisible pressure, would women feel compelled to cover their faces?”
- He compared peer pressure to brainwashing, highlighting that choices are rarely made in isolation from social influence.
The lyricist also pointed out that clothing, whether men’s or women’s, should be decent, emphasizing dignity rather than restriction.
Javed Akhtar Condemns Nitish Kumar’s Conduct
Following the viral circulation of his festival remarks, Akhtar issued a statement on X (formerly Twitter), condemning Nitish Kumar’s action as disrespectful. He said, “I am against traditional Parda, but it does not mean I condone what Mr. Nitish Kumar did. He owes an unconditional apology to the lady.”
Public Reaction and Social Media Buzz
The video has circulated widely, with social media users praising Akhtar’s unfiltered views on the burqa debate. The clip reignited conversations about women’s autonomy, social norms, and the distinction between personal choice and societal pressure in India.
FAQ: Questions Burqa Logic in Viral Video: “Why Be Ashamed of Your Face?”
1. What did Javed Akhtar say about women covering their faces?
Javed Akhtar questioned the logic behind face-covering, asking, “Why should a woman be ashamed of her face?” He described wearing a burqa as often influenced by social pressure and peer expectations rather than personal choice.
2. Why is the Bihar hijab controversy in the news?
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar recently pulled the hijab of a newly recruited Muslim woman doctor, leading to nationwide criticism and debates on women’s choice, religious freedom, and dignity.
3. What is the social pressure Akhtar referred to?
Akhtar explained that societal norms and peer expectations can pressure women into covering their faces. Even if a woman claims personal choice, he suggested that the decision is often shaped by brainwashing or fear of social judgment.
4. How has the viral video of Javed Akhtar impacted the burqa debate?
The video, originally recorded at the SOA Literary Festival 2025, has gone viral online, reigniting conversations on women’s autonomy, social conditioning, and the balance between personal freedom and cultural expectations.
5. What was Javed Akhtar’s stance on Nitish Kumar’s actions?
While Akhtar is against traditional parda, he strongly condemned Nitish Kumar’s conduct, calling it disrespectful. He stated that the chief minister owes an unconditional apology to the woman doctor.
Javed Akhtar’s comments and the viral video have amplified discussions around women’s choice, social conditioning, and face-covering in India. As debates continue across social media and news platforms, public attention remains focused on autonomy, dignity, and respect for individual decisions regarding clothing and religious practice.
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