Lyricist Javed Akhtar recently shared a thoughtful poem. It explores how people see him in very different ways. This came right after a cultural event featuring him faced unexpected trouble. Akhtar, known for his outspoken views, often finds himself at the center of discussions.
His recent poetic symposium, known as a ‘mushaira,’ was postponed. The West Bengal Urdu Academy had planned the event. However, some Muslim groups protested. They claimed that certain comments made by Akhtar had hurt their religious feelings.
Akhtar is a self-proclaimed atheist. He regularly attends cultural gatherings across the country. He never shies away from criticizing fundamentalism, whether it comes from Hindu or Muslim groups. This bold stance often puts him in the public eye.
On Thursday, following the event’s cancellation, Akhtar posted a powerful couplet on X. The poem delves into perceptions of atheists, infidels, and saints. He wrote:
زاہد نظر نے مجھے کافر سمجھا اور کافر یہ سمجھتا ہوں ہےُمسلماںُ ہوںُ/ رند سمجھے ہے ولی مجھ کو ولی رند مجھےُُ / سن کے ان دونوں کی تقریرُ کو حیراں ہوں میںُ / ہوںُ وہ مضمونُ کہ مشکلُُ ہے سمجھنا میرا / کوئ مائلُ ہو سمجھنے پہ تو آساں ہوں میں
— Javed Akhtar (@Javedakhtarjadu) September 4, 2025
He expressed his bewilderment at these contrasting views. “The ascetic saw me as an infidel, and the infidel believes I am a Muslim,” his poem states. “The libertine sees me as a saint, and the saint sees me as a libertine. Hearing the statements of both, I am surprised. I am a subject that is difficult to understand. But if anyone is inclined to understand me, I am easy.”
The postponed mushaira was set to begin on September 1st in Kolkata. The state-run academy did not give an official reason for the delay.
What the Academy Said
Nuzhat Zainab, the academy’s secretary, spoke to PTI-Bhasha on Tuesday. She confirmed the event was postponed. She mentioned “important reasons” for the four-day mushaira’s delay. Zainab added that new dates would be announced later. However, she did not confirm if Akhtar would be part of any future lineup for the event.
A Group’s Objection
Mufti Abdus Salam Qasmi, the general secretary of Jamiat-e-Ulema’s state unit, shared his group’s view. He explained their concerns. “Some comments made by Javed Akhtar have hurt the feelings of a section of Muslims,” he said. Qasmi believes the West Bengal Urdu Academy is a minority institution. He suggested they should invite someone else. This person, he felt, should not have upset the feelings of common Muslims.
– Photo: X- @Javedakhtarjadu