Veteran lyricist Javed Akhtar has reignited the debate on the ban of Pakistani artistes in India, suggesting that while India has always welcomed Pakistani talent with open arms, the gesture was never truly reciprocated by Pakistan’s system.
Speaking to PTI about the ban on Fawad Khan’s upcoming film Abir Gulaal, Akhtar said the question of allowing Pakistani artistes had two valid answers—both equally logical. “You can toss a coin to find the right answer,” he remarked, underlining the complexity of the issue.
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He recalled how Indian audiences and governments offered immense respect to Pakistani legends like Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Mehdi Hassan, and poet Faiz Ahmad Faiz, the latter being received like a state guest under Vajpayee’s regime. Akhtar contrasted this with Pakistan’s treatment of Indian legends.
Pointing to the case of Lata Mangeshkar, Akhtar noted that despite her massive popularity in Pakistan and many Pakistani poets writing for her, she was never officially welcomed to perform there. “This is one-way traffic. The blockage lies in the system, not in the hearts of the people,” he asserted.
Akhtar’s comments highlight the deeper cultural and political divide that continues to affect artistic collaboration in South Asia.
