Veteran lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar recently had a heated exchange with a reporter at a public event in Mumbai, following a question about his controversial post regarding the Kanwar Yatra. Akhtar, known for his candid opinions on social and political matters, found himself in the midst of controversy after commenting on the Uttar Pradesh police's directive that mandated shops, restaurants, and vehicles along the Kanwar Yatra route to display owner information. ALSO READ: Javed Akhtar REACTS To UP Police Order Asking Display Of Owner Names In Kanwar Yatra Route; Compares It With Nazi Germany
During an event on Monday (July 22) in Mumbai, Akhtar interacted with the media. However, when a reporter asked about his post on X (formerly Twitter), Akhtar lost his temper and lashed out. The lyricist emphasized that his attendance at the event was not to discuss his post or any controversial topics. In the video, he can be heard saying, "Main yaha iss liye nahi aaya hoon," before walking away from the media.
The controversy began when Akhtar reacted to the UP Police's directive for eateries along the Kanwar Yatra route to display owner names. He drew a comparison with the Nazi boycott of Jewish businesses. On July 18, he posted on X, "Muzaffarnagar UP police has given instructions that on the route of a particular religious procession in near future all the shops, restaurants and even vehicles should show the name of the owner prominently and clearly. Why? In Nazi Germany, they used to make only a mark on particular shops and houses."
The UP Police had reportedly asked the owners to 'voluntarily' display the names of the eateries on the 240-km long pilgrimage route to avoid any 'confusion' for the Kanwariyas, who avoid 'certain' food during their journey. This directive aimed to prevent misunderstandings and ensure a smooth experience for the pilgrims. Akhtar's comparison sparked significant debate and backlash, with many questioning the appropriateness of his analogy. His comments highlighted the tension between maintaining public order and respecting individual rights, a recurring theme in his outspoken critiques.
Muzaffarnagar UP police has given instructions that on the route of a particular religious procession in near future all the shops restaurants n even vehicles should show the name of the owner prominently and clearly . Why ? . In Nazi Germany they used to make only a mark on…
— Javed Akhtar (@Javedakhtarjadu) July 18, 2024
The incident at the Mumbai event underscores the sensitivity surrounding Akhtar's remarks and the broader societal implications of such directives. As a prominent figure in Indian culture, Akhtar's opinions often resonate widely, sparking discussions and sometimes controversies. His reaction to the reporter's question reveals the challenges faced by public figures in balancing personal views with public expectations and the scrutiny that accompanies their statements.
In summary, Javed Akhtar's clash with the reporter and his controversial post about the Kanwar Yatra directive reflect the ongoing debates about religious sensitivities, public policy, and the role of influential voices in shaping public discourse.
Image Source: Twitter