Javed Akhtar
Javed Akhtar Condemns Reception of Taliban Minister in India: Controversy Over Diplomatic Visit
Oct 14, 2025 11:35 am CST
Renowned screenwriter Javed Akhtar publicly criticized the warm welcome given to Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi during his historic six-day visit to India. The controversy escalated when women journalists were initially excluded from press interactions, prompting widespread criticism from opposition leaders and press organizations. This marks the first official visit by a Taliban representative since the group took power in Afghanistan in 2021, raising questions about India's diplomatic approach toward the unrecognized Taliban government.
Cultural Identity Debate: Taslima Nasreen Claims Bengali Culture Rooted in Hindu Traditions, Javed Akhtar Advocates for Syncretic Appreciation
Sep 30, 2025 07:16 pm CST
Exiled author Taslima Nasreen sparked discourse by asserting all Bengalis belong to India with culture fundamentally rooted in Hindu traditions. Renowned poet Javed Akhtar responded by acknowledging her view while emphasizing the importance of appreciating India's syncretic Ganga-Jamuni cultural heritage that blends Hindu and Muslim influences, highlighting the ongoing conversation about cultural identity in the subcontinent.