Bollywood screenwriter Javed Akhtar, renowned for his willingness to voice his opinions on contemporary issues in politics and international affairs, recently delivered a fitting retort to a troll who labeled him ‘son of a Gaddar (traitor).’ This incident stemmed from a sarcastic comment Akhtar made about Joe Biden ahead of the 2024 US Presidential elections, which triggered a wave of online attacks from a segment of social media users. However, the Padma Shri awardee chose to teach these trolls a lesson, reminding them of his family’s unwavering commitment to India’s freedom struggle.
Akhtar had shared a post on X, stating: “I am a proud Indian citizen and till my last breath I will remain so but I have one common fact with Joe Biden. Both of us have exactly equal chance of becoming the next president of USA.” This seemingly innocuous statement drew a vitriolic response from a user named Vivek Sharma, who wrote, “Your father was instrumental in making Pakistan in order to have a nation just for Muslims, then in the guise of progressive writer he chose to remain in India. You are a son of Gaddar who divided our nation on d lines of religion. Now u say any thing but this is the truth.”
This comment exemplifies the relentless online harassment faced by Bollywood celebrities when they express their views or raise their voices on crucial issues. However, Javed Akhtar opted for a powerful response, refusing to be silenced. In his reply, he recounted his family’s deep involvement in the freedom movement, highlighting their sacrifices and unwavering dedication. Akhtar wrote, “It is difficult to decide whether you are totally ignorant or a complete idiot. From 1857 my family has been involved with freedom movement n has gone to jails and Kala paani when most probably your baap dadas were licking the boots of Angrez sarkar.” This response served as a stark reminder of the historical context and the sacrifices made by his family for India’s independence. It also served as a powerful rebuttal to the troll’s unfounded claims, effectively silencing the negativity and emphasizing the importance of historical understanding and respect.
