Javed Akhtar loses temper over reporter’s question on Kanwar Yatra post at Mumbai event

Veteran lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar found himself at the center of controversy after his social media post about the Kanwar Yatra route received backlash. At a public event in Mumbai on Monday, July 22, Akhtar reacted strongly to a reporter's question regarding his post, which criticized the Uttar Pradesh police's directive for shops, restaurants, and vehicles to display owner information along the pilgrimage route. Akhtar, known for his forthright views on social and political matters, expressed his displeasure and walked away from the media interaction, stating, "Main yaha iss liye nahi aaya hoon," indicating his intent to avoid discussing controversial topics at the event.

The controversy began when Akhtar took to X (formerly known as Twitter) on July 18, where he compared the UP Police's directive to actions taken during Nazi Germany. In his post, Akhtar wrote, "Muzaffarnagar UP police has given instructions that on the route of a particular religious procession in near future all the shops, restaurants and even vehicles should show the name of the owner prominently and clearly. Why? In Nazi Germany they used to make only a mark on particular shops and houses." The directive was reportedly issued to prevent confusion among Kanwariyas, who avoid certain foods during their pilgrimage. However, Akhtar's comparison drew significant attention and sparked heated discussions.

Muzaffarnagar UP police has given instructions that on the route of a particular religious procession in near future all the shops restaurants n even vehicles should show the name of the owner prominently and clearly . Why ? . In Nazi Germany they used to make only a mark on…

— Javed Akhtar (@Javedakhtarjadu) July 18, 2024