Pakistan, May 19 -- Veteran Indian lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar stirred controversy once again by declaring that he would "rather go to hell than Pakistan." Speaking at the launch of Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut's book Narkatla Swarg in Mumbai, Akhtar criticized detractors from both sides of the border, claiming, "One calls me a kaafir. the other asks me to go to Pakistan. So if I must choose, I'd rather go to hell."

The comment ignited immediate backlash in Pakistan, where Akhtar has previously enjoyed warm hospitality at literary events and cultural festivals. Public figures and celebrities responded strongly, expressing disappointment and calling out the perceived hypocrisy in his statement. Actor Zhalay Sarhadi remarked sarcast...