Actor Mansha Pasha has strongly criticized Pakistanis for their continued reverence of Indian celebrities, despite repeated instances of condescension, following fresh remarks by Indian lyricist Javed Akhtar about cross-border artistic exchanges.
Taking to her Instagram stories, the Laal Kabootar star shared a news post highlighting Akhtar’s controversial statements. She recalled a 2023 event in Pakistan where, even after Akhtar’s disparaging comments about the country, Pakistani elites were seen sitting at his feet at a party hosted in his honor. Pasha remarked that the real problem lies within Pakistanis themselves, pointing out a serious need for greater self-respect and self-worth.
Her comments come as a reaction to Akhtar’s latest interview with the Press Trust of India (PTI), where he justified the exclusion of Pakistani artists from Indian projects. He described cultural exchange as a “one-way traffic,” emphasizing how legends like Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Mehdi Hassan, and Ghulam Ali had performed in India, while Indian icons like Lata Mangeshkar were allegedly blocked from performing in Pakistan. Citing the recent Pahalgam attack in Indian-occupied Kashmir, Akhtar stated that the current political climate is unsuitable for any artistic collaboration.
