Javed Akhtar’s Sharp Response to Pakistani Actor Bushra Ansari’s Claims

Veteran Indian lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar recently made headlines with his witty and pointed retort to Pakistani actor Bushra Ansari’s controversial remarks. The exchange, rooted in a discussion about housing discrimination and political commentary, has sparked widespread attention. Here’s a closer look at the incident and Akhtar’s powerful response, as reported by Hindustan Times on May 30, 2025.

The Context: Bushra Ansari’s Remarks

The controversy began when Bushra Ansari, a well-known Pakistani television actor, commented on Javed Akhtar’s outspoken stance following the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, which claimed 26 lives. Akhtar, speaking at the Gauravshaali Maharashtra Mahotsav, urged the Indian government to take decisive action against Pakistan, stating, “This is something we must not forget; it is not a small matter.” His remarks drew sharp criticism from Ansari, who took to social media to mock him.

In a viral video, Ansari claimed that Akhtar “couldn’t even get a house on rent in Mumbai” and suggested he should “stay quiet like Naseeruddin Shah.” She further remarked, “Our so-called writer, he needs an excuse. For his existence, he can speak anything he wants… Have shame. You have a few years to live, and on top of that, such nonsense you are saying.” Her comments were seen as a personal jab, referencing alleged housing discrimination faced by Akhtar and his wife, Shabana Azmi, due to their Muslim identity.

Javed Akhtar’s Befitting Reply

In an interview with The Lallantop, Javed Akhtar addressed Ansari’s remarks with his characteristic wit and clarity. Dismissing her claim about housing, he sarcastically quipped, “Me and Shabana sleep on the footpath, right?” He went on to question Ansari’s authority to dictate his actions, stating, “There’s this famous Pakistani TV actor, Bushra Ansari, who once asked angrily why I won’t stay quiet. She said I should be quiet like Naseeruddin Shah. But who is she to suggest that to me? I might have 25 problems, but I am an Indian when it comes to her.”

Akhtar also provided context to the housing discrimination claim. He recounted an incident from 25 years ago when Shabana Azmi attempted to buy a flat in Mumbai for investment purposes. The owner refused to sell to her because of her Muslim identity, citing personal grievances from the Partition era, as his parents were forced out of Sindh. Akhtar explained, “That anger came from his personal pain, not religion. So how can Bushra Ansari twist this and use it against me?” He emphasized that such incidents reflect individual biases rather than systemic issues and criticized Ansari for exploiting the situation to silence him.

A Broader Message

Akhtar’s response wasn’t just a rebuttal to Ansari’s personal attack; it was a reaffirmation of his identity and principles. He asserted, “Yes, we Indians do have our internal issues. But when someone from outside points fingers, I am first and foremost an Indian. I won’t stay silent.” His words resonate as a powerful statement of resilience and patriotism, refusing to be cowed by external criticism.

The lyricist also used the opportunity to call out Ansari’s hypocrisy, questioning why she felt entitled to comment on his right to speak. His response highlights the broader issue of cross-border tensions in the entertainment industry, where personal and political narratives often collide.

Why This Matters

This exchange underscores the complex dynamics between India and Pakistan, particularly in the context of the entertainment industry. Javed Akhtar, a celebrated figure known for his contributions to Indian cinema and his outspoken views, has often been a target for criticism from across the border. His remarks at events like the Faiz Festival in Pakistan in 2023, where he addressed the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, have previously stirred controversy, earning both praise and backlash.

Ansari’s comments, meanwhile, reflect a tendency to weaponize personal anecdotes to score political points. Akhtar’s measured yet sharp response serves as a reminder that such tactics cannot overshadow his contributions or silence his voice. It also brings attention to the challenges of housing discrimination, a sensitive issue that Akhtar addressed with nuance, acknowledging the personal pain behind such biases while rejecting Ansari’s attempt to exploit it.

Conclusion

Javed Akhtar’s retort to Bushra Ansari is more than just a celebrity spat; it’s a reflection of deeper socio-political tensions and the power of words in shaping narratives. By standing his ground with humor and conviction, Akhtar has once again proven why he remains a towering figure in Indian cinema and public discourse. As he aptly put it, when it comes to external critics, he is “first and foremost an Indian”—and he won’t be silenced.

Source: Hindustan Times, May 30, 2025