Hina Bayat Responds to Javed Akhtar’s Anti-Pakistan Remarks

Veteran actor Hina Bayat openly criticised Indian poet and lyricist Javed Akhtar for his recent anti-Pakistan remarks, calling them “hateful” and driven by a desire to remain relevant. Speaking on a local television show, Bayat suggested that Akhtar made the comments to prove his loyalty to India at Pakistan’s expense.

“He wanted to feel relevant,” Bayat said. “He had to show he’s ‘very Indian,’ so he used Pakistan for that purpose.” Her response came after Akhtar declared in a press conference that he would rather go to hell than visit Pakistan.

Bayat contrasted Akhtar’s recent rhetoric with the warm reception he received in Pakistan during past visits, including as a guest at the Faiz Festival in Lahore earlier this year. She expressed disappointment, urging Pakistanis to reconsider whom they extend their hospitality to. “We’re hospitable, but that man does not deserve it,” she said.

Bayat’s comments were measured but firm, joining a wave of backlash from Pakistani celebrities, including Mishi Khan, Imran Abbas, and Sharmila Farooqui, who also condemned Akhtar’s remarks.

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