August 15th brought out a wave of patriotic cheer, and famous personalities joined in the celebrations. Among them was the celebrated lyricist and writer Javed Akhtar, who shared his thoughts online. While many welcomed his message, one internet user decided to stir up some trouble, leading to a fiery exchange.
Akhtar, known for his thoughtful presence on social media, used his platform on Independence Day to greet everyone. He posted a heartfelt reminder. He stressed that freedom wasn’t simply handed over. It came after countless sacrifices. He urged everyone to remember those who fought and died for this precious gift. He called on people to honor those who went to jail or were executed. Protecting this gift, he said, is a duty for all.
A Provocative Comment
But not everyone was in a mood for reflection. One online user decided to try and poke a hole in Akhtar’s message. This person suggested that Akhtar’s Independence Day actually fell on August 14. For context, August 14 is Pakistan’s Independence Day. The comment was a sly way of questioning Akhtar’s patriotism and hinting at a different national identity for him.
Akhtar’s Cutting Reply
Javed Akhtar wasn’t one to back down. He wasted no time in serving up a sharp response. He called the user “son” and told him to “know his place.” Akhtar fired back, saying that while the user’s ancestors might have been “licking the boots” of the British, his own elders were suffering and dying for the country’s freedom in places like Kala Pani. This refers to the Cellular Jail, a harsh colonial prison known for its role in India’s independence struggle. It was a powerful history lesson wrapped in a blunt comeback.
The dramatic online confrontation quickly drew a crowd. Some people rushed to Javed Akhtar’s defense, applauding his strong words. Others, however, offered different advice. They suggested that Akhtar should just ignore such negative comments. These well-meaning users felt there was no need to engage with trolls.
