Javed Akhtar's Couplet Stirs Debate Amid Mushaira Postponement

Mumbai, Sep 4 (PTI) Lyricist Javed Akhtar, known for his outspoken views and as a self-proclaimed atheist, recently shared a thought-provoking couplet on social media platform X. This comes in the wake of a postponed 'mushaira' event in West Bengal, originally featuring Akhtar, which was deferred after protests by certain Muslim groups.

Akhtar is a regular participant in cultural events throughout India and is noted for his bold critiques of fundamentalism across religious boundaries, be it Hinduism or Islam. The couplet, though penned by an anonymous poet, seems to reflect on misconceptions about the speaker's identity and beliefs. The lines metaphorically depict how various groups perceive him differently, yet he remains an enigma.

The translated couplet reads: "The devout man considers me an infidel, and the infidel thinks, (I'm) Muslim/the non-believer thinks I'm saint, and the saint considers me non-believer/After hearing both sides, I am amazed/I'm that subject which is difficult to understand/If someone is inclined to understand, then I am easy."

The 'mushaira' was initially scheduled in Kolkata starting September 1 but was postponed indefinitely following allegations that Akhtar's previous comments had offended specific religious sentiments. The West Bengal Urdu Academy, which organized the event, did not specify reasons for the change.

"Due to some compelling reasons, the four-day 'mushaira' had to be postponed. We will announce the new dates later," confirmed Nuzhat Zainab, the academy's secretary. It remains unclear whether Akhtar will be invited to the rescheduled event.

Mufti Abdus Salam Qasmi, the general secretary of Jamiat-e-Ulema's state unit, expressed concerns, stating that Akhtar's remarks had upset some Muslim community members. He suggested that the West Bengal Urdu Academy select speakers who would maintain the sentiments of devout Muslims.

Mufti Shamail Nadvi from the Wahyain Foundation also highlighted Akhtar's reputation as a gifted, learned figure but acknowledged the impact of his statements on community emotions, urging the Minority Affairs Department to be more cautious in guest selection.

In response to the postponement, several Left-aligned student organizations issued an open invitation to Akhtar to discuss the role of Urdu in Hindi cinema in Delhi.