Veteran Indian poet and lyricist Javed Akhtar has called for a halt to Pakistani artists working in India. The statement comes amid rising political tensions following the Pahalgam incident.
In a recent interview, Akhtar said India has always welcomed Pakistani singers, poets, and actors with open arms. However, he believes Pakistan has failed to return the favor.
Akhtar said that artists like Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Ghulam Ali, Noor Jehan, and Faiz Ahmed Faiz received immense love and respect in India. Faiz, he noted, was treated like a state guest during his visit under the Vajpayee regime.
The lyricist questioned why Lata Mangeshkar, despite her popularity in Pakistan, was never invited to perform there.
He asked:
“She was the most loved artist in both India and Pakistan, yet never sang there. Why?”
Calling the cultural exchange “one-way traffic,” Akhtar argued that India should reconsider allowing Pakistani artists to work in its entertainment industry. He added that such restrictions only benefit elements in Pakistan that want distance between the nations.
“Right now, I’d say no,” Akhtar concluded, when asked if Pakistani artists should be welcomed in India at this time.
Akhtar has previously visited Pakistan for literary events, where he received warm receptions. Still, he remains a consistent critic of Pakistan’s political system and leadership.
