Renowned lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar found himself at the center of a social media storm after he condemned communal remarks on his post celebrating India’s emphatic victory over Pakistan in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Following India’s six-wicket win in the high-voltage Group A encounter on Sunday, February 23, in Dubai, Akhtar took to X (formerly Twitter) to applaud Virat Kohli’s stellar century, writing, “Virat Kohli, zindabad!!! We all are so so so proud of you !!!”
However, a social media user responded with a communal remark, writing, “Javed. Babar ka baap Kohli hai. Bolo, Jai Shree Ram.” This provoked a sharp reaction from Akhtar, who fired back, saying, “Maen to sirf yeh kahoonga ke tum eik neech insaan ho aur neech hi marogay. Tum kya jano desh prem kya hota hai.” (I will only say that you are a vile person and will remain so. You do not understand what patriotism is.)
Another user took a jibe at him, writing, “Aj suraj kaha se nikla. Andar se dukh hoga apko to.” To this, Akhtar delivered a scathing response, asserting his family’s patriotic legacy: “Beta jab tumhare baap dada angrez ke jootay chaat rahe thay tab mere aazadi ke liye jail aur kala paani mein thay. Meri ragon mein desh premion ka khoon hai aur tumhari ragon mein angrez ke naukaron ka khoon hai. Iss anter ko bhoolo nahin.” (Son, when your grandfather was licking the boots of the British, I was fighting for our freedom in jail and in Kala Pani. My veins carry the blood of patriots, while yours carry the blood of British servants. Don’t forget this difference.)
Akhtar’s fiery responses were widely shared, with many social media users praising him for taking a stand against communal hate.
In the much-anticipated contest, Pakistan, electing to bat first, managed to post 241 runs, thanks to Saud Shakeel’s resilient 62 and Mohammad Rizwan’s 46. India’s bowlers, led by Kuldeep Yadav (3/40), put in a disciplined performance to restrict their arch-rivals.
Chasing 242, India was powered by Virat Kohli’s unbeaten century and Shreyas Iyer’s composed 56. Kohli’s masterclass ensured India chased the target comfortably in 42.3 overs, securing their second consecutive win in the tournament.
With this victory, India strengthened their chances of qualifying for the semi-finals, while Pakistan faces an uphill battle in the tournament.
