Famous screenwriter and lyricist hits back as right-wing trolls question his patriotism after he praised Virat Kohli for his century against Pakistan
Team Clarion
MUMBAI – Renowned screenwriter, poet, and lyricist Javed Akhtar has once again found himself at the centre of online abuse, despite repeatedly declaring himself an atheist. Akhtar, who has publicly stated his atheism “a thousand times,” continues to face trolling and communal slurs due to his Muslim name and identity. The latest incident occurred after he praised Indian cricketer Virat Kohli following India’s victory over Pakistan in the ICC Champions Trophy match in Dubai.
On Sunday, India secured a six-wicket win against Pakistan, with Kohli scoring a century. Akhtar took to his social media handle to express his pride, writing, “Virat Kohli, Zindabad!!! We are all very proud of you.” However, his post was met with a barrage of abusive and communal comments from right-wing trolls, who questioned his patriotism and accused him of being a Pakistan supporter.
Responding to one user who claimed Kohli was “bigger than Babar,” Akhtar retorted, “I will just say that you are a mean person and will die a mean person. What do you know about patriotism? What do you know about love for the nation?” His sharp rebuke did not stop there. When another user insinuated that Akhtar would be unhappy with India’s victory, the lyricist-writer fired back, “Son, when your forefathers were licking the shoes of the British, my forefathers were serving sentences in Kala Pani for freedom. There is the blood of patriotism in my veins, and there is the blood of the servants of the British in your veins. Never forget this difference.”
Akhtar’s responses have sparked widespread support on social media, with many users applauding his stance and urging him to ignore the hate. One supporter commented: “It’s shameful how people reduce everything to religion. Javed Akhtar has always been a proud Indian, and his work speaks for itself.” Another wrote, “These trolls have no understanding of history or patriotism. Javed Sahab’s family has contributed immensely to this nation.”
This is not the first time Javed Akhtar has faced such abuse. Despite his clear declarations of atheism, he has often been targeted by trolls who fixate on his Muslim identity. “I have said a thousand times that I am an atheist, yet I hear abuses,” Akhtar lamented in a recent interview. “These trolls are low, and their mindset is even lower.”
