Veteran lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar found himself at the center of an online controversy after expressing admiration for Virat Kohli’s remarkable performance against Pakistan in the ICC Champions Trophy. Kohli’s century played a pivotal role in India’s emphatic victory, which secured their place in the semi-finals.
As the nation celebrated, several celebrities also took to social media to applaud the team’s effort. Akhtar, deeply impressed by Kohli’s batting, shared his thoughts on X (formerly Twitter), posting: “Virat Kohli, zindabad! We all are so, so, so proud of you!” His post, however, did not sit well with certain social media users, leading to a wave of criticism.
Virat Kohli , zindabad. !!! . We all are so so so proud of you !!!
— Javed Akhtar (@Javedakhtarjadu) February 23, 2025
Facing Backlash and a Strong Retort
One of the trolls sarcastically questioned Akhtar’s praise, implying that he must be internally displeased with Kohli’s success. In response, Akhtar delivered a powerful reply, referencing his patriotic roots. He stated that while the troll’s ancestors were subservient to the British, his own forefathers had fought for India’s independence, enduring hardships such as imprisonment and exile to the infamous Kala Pani.
He asserted that his bloodline carried the spirit of freedom fighters, unlike his critic’s lineage, which he accused of servitude. Akhtar’s sharp and unapologetic response quickly gained attention, with many supporting his stance against online hostility.
A Final Word to Detractors
As the exchange continued, Akhtar further addressed his critics in Hindi, calling them “vile individuals” who lacked an understanding of patriotism. His statement reinforced his unwillingness to tolerate baseless accusations and personal attacks. Meanwhile, India’s triumph over Pakistan was followed by New Zealand’s victory against Bangladesh, confirming India’s progression to the final while officially eliminating Pakistan. Despite the controversy surrounding Akhtar’s comments, his unwavering support for the Indian cricket team remained clear.
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