Would Choose Hell Over Pakistan: Javed Akhtar's Bold Remark Goes Viral
Mumbai: Lyricist Javed Akhtar attended the launch of Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut's book Narkatla Swarg (Heaven in the Swamp) in Mumbai on Saturday.
The event was attended by several political leaders, including Shiv Sena (UBT) Chief Uddhav Thackeray and (NCP-SCP) chief Sharad Pawar.
While addressing the audience, Akhtar shared how, over the years, he has faced backlash from people due to his outspoken nature.
#WATCH | Mumbai: "Many people encourage me and praise me. But it is true that people from both sides abuse me. One side say you are a Kafir and will go to hell. The other side say you are a Jihadi and go to Pakistan. If I have to choose between hell and Pakistan, I would prefer… pic.twitter.com/peRIBwCH5E — ANI (@ANI) May 17, 2025
"People from both sides abuse me. It's not one-sided. I would be very ungrateful if I don't admit that there are people who also appreciate me. Many support me, praise me, and encourage me," Akhtar said.
"Toh agar mere paas sirf choice Pakistan aur jahannum yani nark ki hain toh main nark hi jaana pasand karunga..." he added.
Meanwhile, Narkatla Swarg, the book launched at the event, is written by Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut and revolves around his political experiences. The event was attended by top leaders, including Uddhav Thackeray, Sharad Pawar, and Trinamool Congress MP Saket Gokhale
Meanwhile, Narkatla Swarg, the book launched at the event, is written by Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut and revolves around his political experiences. The event was attended by top leaders, including Uddhav Thackeray, Sharad Pawar, and Trinamool Congress MP Saket Gokhale.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
India Gazette
an hour ago
- India Gazette
"Long-pending project, demand ": JK Minister Satish Sharma on Chenab rail bridge
Katra (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], June 7 (ANI): Jammu and Kashmir Minister Satish Sharma on Friday said that the railway bridge over the Chenab river, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was a long-pending project and demand. The Minister said that the people of Jammu and Kashmir are development-oriented and that the much-awaited project would boost tourism. Speaking to ANI about the Chenab rail bridge inauguration, Sharma said a day earlier, 'Today, the Kashmir valley has been connected with the rest of the nation. This was a long-pending project and demand. I congratulate Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, and Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for making this possible.' 'The people of Jammu and Kashmir are development-oriented. The inauguration of the project will promote tourism, increase employment. Along with that, the produce, such as fruits, nuts, will be easy for deemed export to other parts of the country. It's a history in the making,' he said. On terrorism, Satish Sharma said, 'We have clarified our stance and have said that we believe in tourism, and they (Pakistan) believe in terrorism. These development projects are an answer to India's stand against terror.' Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the much-awaited and world's highest railway arch bridge over the river Chenab during his day-long visit to Jammu and Kashmir on Friday. The architectural marvel Chenab Rail Bridge, situated 359 metres above the river, is the world's highest railway arch bridge. It is a 1,315-metre-long steel arch bridge engineered to withstand seismic and wind conditions. A key impact of the bridge will be in enhancing connectivity between Jammu and Srinagar. The Vande Bharat train moving on the bridge will take just about three hours to travel between Katra and Srinagar, reducing the existing travel time by two to three hours. Speaking about the inauguration of the Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express, BJP leader Altaf Thakur said, 'The dream of Kashmiris has been fulfilled today. They had been waiting for this day for a very long time. The inauguration of Vande Bharat by Prime Minister Narendra Modi will connect Jammu and Kashmir with the rest of the nation. This will also give a massive boost to the economy of Kashmir as tourists will come to Jammu and Kashmir in large numbers.' On terrorism, Altaf Thakur said, 'On April 22, Pakistan attacked Pahalgam and killed 26 people, that was a huge move to try to paralyse Kashmir's tourism. After the inauguration of the Vande Bharat Express, tourism will return to normalcy. Today, Kashmir is celebrating Eid-al-Adha and PM Modi has given a gift to the people of Jammu and Kashmir.' Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday flagged off two Vande Bharat Express trains from Katra Railway Station, directly connecting the Jammu division with Kashmir. This marks a major milestone in Jammu and Kashmir's railway connectivity. Before flagging off the trains, Prime Minister Modi interacted with school children onboard and also spoke with railway staff members present on the train. The new Vande Bharat Express service will reduce the travel time between Katra and Srinagar from the current 6-7 hours by road to just about 3 hours. The trains aim to provide a fast, comfortable, and reliable travel option for residents, tourists, and pilgrims. The train will run through the Anji Khad Bridge, which is India's first cable-stayed railway bridge, and the Chenab Bridge, which is the highest railway bridge in the world. These trains have been specially designed to operate in the cold climatic conditions of the Kashmir Valley. Prime Minister Modi inaugurated the world's highest railway arch bridge - 'Chenab Railway Bridge' and India's first cable-stayed 'Anji Bridge' in Jammu and Kashmir's Reasi district. Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw were present during the inauguration. Before the inauguration of the bridge on the Chenab, the Prime Minister inspected the railway arch bridge. These bridges are part of the ambitious Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL) project in Jammu and Kashmir. The iconic Chenab Railway Bridge, the world's highest railway arch bridge, is part of the Katra-to-Sangaldan stretch, connecting New Delhi directly with Kashmir via Katra. Situated in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir, the Chenab Bridge is an engineering marvel standing at a height of 359 meters above the riverbed. It will officially connect the Kashmir Valley with the rest of India via rail for the first time in history. The project faced numerous engineering and logistical challenges due to the region's difficult terrain and seismic sensitivity. Yet, after years of meticulous work, the bridge now stands as a testament to India's technological prowess and commitment to inclusive development. It marks a transformative chapter in India's infrastructural landscape, promising greater connectivity, economic growth, and social integration in the region. The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project is 272 km long USBRL project, constructed worth around Rs 43,780 crore, includes 36 tunnels (spanning 119 km) and 943 bridges. The project establishes all-weather, seamless rail connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and the rest of the country, aiming to transform regional mobility and drive socio-economic integration. (ANI)
India Gazette
an hour ago
- India Gazette
'India being invited to G7 Summit is fantastic development'
By Ravi Khandelwal Vancouver [Canada], June 6 (ANI): Canada needs to have a better relationship with India and move forward positively and the invitation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi by his Canadian counterpart Mark Carney for the G7 Summit is a 'fantastic development', a Canadian lawmaker said on Friday. In an interview with ANI, Dallas Brodie, a Canadian lawyer and MLA for Vancouver-Quilchena in British Columbia, also expressed concern at the Khalistani extremism, saying it is 'a significant problem' and most Hindus and Sikhs are not happy with the situation. In a veiled reference to the previous government in Canada led by Justin Trudeau, Dallas Brodie said that ties between India and Canada had seen a downslide and PM Mark Carney reaching out to India signals that 'they want to fix this dynamic' and 'is a very positive development'. 'Having India being invited to G7 Summit and our PM Mark Carney reaching out to India for this, is a fantastic a lot in common between our countries. Canada has the largest diaspora of Indian people in the move by the Prime Minister of Canada, Mark Carney, to reach out to India, is a very positive development. For the last several years, things have not been good. It's very negative. We need to have a better relationship with India and move forward positively. I think this signals that they want to fix this dynamic,' she said. Dallas Brodie said PM Modi's visit to Canada for the G7 Summit will strengthen ties between the two countries. The G7 Summit would be held at Kananaskis in Canada from June 15 to 17. PM Modi received a call from Mark J Carney, inviting him to attend the upcoming G7 Summit. 'Glad to receive a call from Prime Minister @MarkJCarney of Canada. Congratulated him on his recent election victory and thanked him for the invitation to the G7 Summit in Kananaskis later this month. As vibrant democracies bound by deep people-to-people ties, India and Canada will work together with renewed vigour, guided by mutual respect and shared interests. Look forward to our meeting at the Summit,' PM Modi said in a post on X. The Canadian lawmaker said India and Canada have a lot in common and that India is a huge market. Answering a query, she said Khalistani extremism is dangerous and scary for many people and it's time for deal with it firmly. 'The situation of Khalistani extremism is a significant problem. There's no question. Most Hindus and Sikh people in Canada are not happy with this situation. Hopefully, this will be discussed by the federal government with India. I'm in the provincial government in British Columbia, where there is a large, Khalistani movement. It's dangerous and scary for many people, and it's time for this to be dealt with firmly. I hope this will be discussed in meetings between, Prime Minister Mark Carney and India in the G7 meeting,' she said. Dallas Brodie said she is working towards the creation of a memorial for the victims of the Kanishka bombing. The AI-182 'Kanishka' bombing in 1985 was planned and executed in Canada. The dastardly attack claimed the lives of 329 innocent people (largely of India-origin), including 24 Indian nationals. Answering a query, the Canadian lawmaker said the terror attack in Pahalgam was sickening and Canada has to take a position on these kinds of things. 'I would imagine that this (subject of eliminating terrorism) is going to be top of mind for PM Modi and Canadian PM Mark Carney. I can't imagine that this issue would not be addressed between these two leaders. The attack on the tourists in Kashmir was sickening, and Canada has to take a position on these kinds of things and deal with this. I'm hoping this will be on the list of items that they deal with and I'm sure it will be,' she said. (ANI)
India Gazette
an hour ago
- India Gazette
'We stand firm, resolute in our collective fight against terror'
New Delhi [India], June 6 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday reaffirmed India's commitment to fighting terrorism, stating that India stands firm and resolute in its collective fight against this threat in the backdrop of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 26 tourists. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed optimism about strengthening ties with Central Asia, following the 4th India-Central Asia Dialogue and posted on X, 'Delighted to meet with the Foreign Ministers of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. India deeply cherishes its historical ties with the countries of Central Asia. Look forward to working together to further deepen our cooperation in trade, connectivity, energy, fintech, food security and health for mutual progress and prosperity. We stand firm and resolute in our collective fight against terrorism.' India hosted the 4th edition of the India-Central Asia Dialogue on Friday in New Delhi, reaffirming its growing commitment to a comprehensive regional partnership across security, connectivity, economic cooperation, and people-to-people ties. The meeting, chaired by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, saw the participation of Foreign Ministers from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, and produced a detailed Joint Statement setting the tone for the next phase of India-Central Asia strategic engagement. The Ministers began by reaffirming the deep civilizational, cultural, and historical linkages between India and Central Asian countries, while underscoring their collective resolve to build a forward-looking, enduring partnership. The Dialogue was praised as a key platform for addressing common challenges, strengthening multifaceted cooperation, and harnessing untapped potential to advance shared interests, including peace, security, and sustainable growth in the region. The Joint Statement recorded satisfaction at the progress made since the first India-Central Asia Summit in January 2022, noting advances across sectors. A key area of focus was enhancing trade and investment, with Ministers acknowledging the current levels and calling for expanded efforts in high-potential areas such as pharmaceuticals, IT, agriculture, energy, textiles, and gems and jewellery. Strengthening financial connectivity through digital payment systems, interbank relations, and trade in national currencies was emphasised, with both sides expressing interest in establishing a Joint Working Group to deepen banking and financial ties. Connectivity featured prominently, with strong endorsement of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC). India reiterated its support for the membership of Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan in INSTC, and Kazakhstan was lauded for its work on developing its eastern corridor. Chabahar Port also received attention, as the Ministers welcomed continued engagement and simplification of goods transit procedures, including greater use of the TIR Carnet system. India welcomed Central Asian interest in the Shahid Beheshti Terminal at Chabahar as a key trade route to India and beyond. The Ministers welcomed the contributions of the India-Central Asia Business Council (ICABC) in fostering business linkages and investment opportunities. Acknowledging India's ITEC Programme, the Central Asian countries appreciated its role in capacity building, particularly in IT and English language training, and India agreed to broaden its scope to cover additional areas of mutual interest. Expanding technology cooperation was a major theme, with both sides agreeing to promote partnerships in science, space, innovation, and digital infrastructure. Central Asian countries noted India Stack's role in digital transformation, and India agreed to assist in developing Digital Public Infrastructure in the region. The Ministers also agreed to launch an India-Central Asia Digital Partnership Forum, with Uzbekistan offering to host the first meeting. In areas of development partnership, the Ministers stressed joint collaboration in healthcare, food and energy security, public health, and digital innovation. The sides committed to deepening cooperation in healthcare infrastructure, medical tourism, traditional medicine, and UHC models, with the possibility of creating a Joint Working Group on health, the press release stated. Mineral exploration also featured in the talks, with renewed focus on rare earth and critical minerals. Building on the first India-Central Asia Rare Earth Forum in 2024, the Ministers called for holding its second edition soon and encouraged delegation exchanges to explore new areas of cooperation. India's recent capacity building initiatives, such as training programmes on Drug Law Enforcement and Countering Terror Financing, were acknowledged as important steps. The Ministers agreed to continue these exchanges under the banner of South-South cooperation and welcomed collaboration with India's Global South Centre of Excellence 'DAKSHIN.' Cultural ties were also emphasised. Noting longstanding civilisational connections, the Ministers agreed to further strengthen cultural, educational, and humanitarian cooperation. Tajikistan offered to host the second meeting of the India-Central Asia Culture Ministers. Indian Cultural Centres were praised for enhancing cultural diplomacy and bilateral understanding. Security issues were addressed with strong emphasis on coordinated efforts to combat terrorism. The Ministers unequivocally condemned the 22 April terrorist attack in Pahalgam, reaffirming their collective stand against terrorism in all forms and calling for accountability of perpetrators, organisers, and sponsors. They stressed that cross-border terrorism, safe havens, terror financing, radical ideology, and cyber misuse must be addressed, and reiterated the urgency of adopting the UN Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism. Full implementation of UNSC resolutions, the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, and FATF standards was also highlighted. In this regard, regular consultations among National Security Councils were supported, with the next round to be held in Kyrgyz Republic. The Joint Statement further noted multilateral synergies. The Ministers welcomed the designation of 2025 as the 'International Year of Peace and Trust' and the upcoming International Forum of Peace and Trust in Ashgabat. They also praised the First High-Level Conference on Glaciers' Preservation held in Dushanbe. They expressed interest in advancing mountain development under the 'Five-Year Action Plan' from the 77th UN General Assembly. The MEA stated in the press release that the Second Global Mountain Summit 'Bishkek+25' in 2027 was acknowledged as an important next step. Ministers expressed strong support for the SCO's role in regional security and people-to-people engagement. They praised the Council of SCO Heads of State meetings hosted in Astana (2024) and India (2023), reaffirming Central Asia's centrality in the SCO and India's active participation. India, in turn, invited Central Asian countries to join key multilateral initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance (ISA), Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA), Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), and the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA), as mechanisms for sustainable and inclusive growth. The Central Asian countries reaffirmed their support for India's bid for permanent membership in a reformed and expanded UN Security Council. Afghanistan was also discussed, with shared emphasis on a peaceful, terror-free, and drug-free Afghanistan and commitment to close coordination on related issues. The integration of the Termez logistics hub into the UNHCR global stockpile network and Kazakhstan's initiative to establish a UN SDG Hub in Almaty were welcomed, highlighting regional humanitarian and development efforts. Youth diplomacy was also recognised, with support for continued student exchanges and emphasis on student welfare in both regions, as per the MEA press release. Concluding the Dialogue, the Ministers agreed to deepen cooperation across all shared priorities and prepare for the second India-Central Asia Summit later in 2025. They also agreed to hold the 5th India-Central Asia Dialogue in 2026 and thanked the Indian side for its warm hospitality and productive chairmanship. (ANI)
