Are Javed Akhtar and Shabana Azmi sleeping on Mumbai's streets? Veteran lyricist reacts to Pakistani star Bushra Ansari's claims

Economic Times

31-05-2025

Agencies Javed Akhtar's Sharp Response to Bushra Ansari's Remarks: A Clash Beyond Borders
Several weeks after Pakistani artist Bushra Ansari criticized Indian lyricist and writer Javed Akhtar, the latter offered a firm and thought-provoking response. During a recent conversation with Lallantop, Javed Akhtar addressed Bushra's public statement where she ridiculed him, suggesting that no one in Mumbai would even rent him a home. In his reply, Akhtar questioned her authority to comment on when he should speak or remain silent, making it clear he would not be dictated by external voices.
In the interview, Akhtar mentioned that Bushra Ansari had, on previous occasions, spoken about him and even advised him to stay quiet, comparing him to actor Naseeruddin Shah. Responding assertively, Akhtar emphasized that no outsider had the right to decide how or when he should express his opinions. He firmly rejected the notion of taking advice from someone who did not understand his perspective or circumstances.
Akhtar also stressed a deeper national sentiment, noting that while India may have its own internal differences, he stood united with his country when confronted by outside commentary. He questioned why people like Ansari forget this crucial point. He reiterated that despite ideological differences within the country, he remains, at his core, an Indian—and will not be silenced by opinions from across the border.When informed about Ansari's claim that he couldn't find a rental home in Mumbai, Akhtar responded with dry humor. He sarcastically said that he and his wife, actress Shabana Azmi, had apparently been living on the streets, highlighting the absurdity of the comment with laughter.He went on to provide context for this claim. Recalling a 25-year-old incident, Akhtar explained how Shabana once tried to purchase a flat as an investment, but the seller refused to deal with a Muslim buyer. The seller's decision, however, was not rooted in religious bias but in personal trauma—his family had once lived in Sindh and were forced to flee during partition. The owner's deep emotional scars led him to displace his resentment in this way. Akhtar made it clear that such events shouldn't be exploited by others to make unwarranted digs.The controversy began when a terrorist group attacked and killed 26 tourists in the scenic Baisaran meadows of Pahalgam on April 22. In the wake of this tragedy, Javed Akhtar delivered a stirring speech at the Gauravshaali Maharashtra Mahotsav, urging people not to forget the gravity of the incident. In response, Bushra Ansari criticized him online, calling him a 'so-called writer' and mocking his housing situation in Mumbai, urging him to remain silent like other public figures.Bushra Ansari is a celebrated figure in Pakistan's entertainment industry, known for her versatility as an actress, comedian, singer, and writer. She began her artistic journey in the 1960s as a child performer, gradually building a multifaceted career that spans decades in both Punjabi and Urdu-language media. Her contributions to television, stage, and music have earned her widespread acclaim and multiple accolades, most notably the prestigious Presidential Pride of Performance Award in 1989—one of the country's highest civilian honors in the arts. Her early rise to fame came in 1984 when she captivated audiences with her role as Jehan Ara Begum, a bold and outspoken housewife, in the iconic television drama Aangan Terha aired on Pakistan Television (PTV). The character's wit and commanding presence made a lasting impression and firmly established Ansari as a household name.
Although her first formal dramatic role arrived later in 1997 with the TV series Rishtay Aur Raastay , Bushra had already become a regular face on television through a string of successful shows. Over the years, she graced many of PTV's most popular programs, including Show Time , Show Sha , Rang Tarang , and Emergency Ward . Her talent for comedy shone especially brightly in the sketch series Fifty Fifty , a classic satire show that remains one of Pakistan's most beloved TV productions. Known for her dynamic screen presence and ability to effortlessly shift between humor and drama, Bushra Ansari has played an influential role in shaping the landscape of South Asian entertainment.