Dhaka, May 18 -- Renowned lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar said he faces criticism from extremists on both sides of the ideological spectrum, with some telling him to go to hell and others suggesting he should go to Pakistan.

Speaking at the launch of Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut's book 'Narkatla Swarg' (Heaven in the Swamp) in Mumbai on Saturday, Akhtar said if given a choice between the two, he would choose hell.

"People from both sides abuse me. It's not one-sided. I would be very ungrateful if I don't admit that there are people who also appreciate me. Many support me, praise me, and encourage me. But this is also true: the extremists from this side also abuse me, and the extremists from that side also abuse. This is the rea...