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Congress leader Udit Raj on Sunday praised the recent remarks made by Javed Akhtar at an event in Mumbai, saying that the veteran artist was "learned and highly secular" and there was no room for doubt regarding his statement.
"He is a highly secular and learned person. He is a talented poet and songwriter. There is no doubt about what he said," Raj told ANI. Lyricist Javed Akhtar attended the launch of Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut's book Narkatla Swarg (Heaven in the Swamp) in Mumbai on Saturday and said, "Agar mere paas sirf choice Pakistan aur jahannum yani nark ki hain toh main nark hi jaana pasand karunga." The event was attended by several political leaders, including Shiv Sena (UBT) Chief Uddhav Thackeray and (NCP-SCP) chief Sharad Pawar. While addressing the audience, Akhtar shared how, over the years, he has faced backlash from people due to his outspoken nature. "People from both sides abuse me. It's not one-sided. I would be very ungrateful if I didn't admit that there are people who also appreciate me. Many support me, praise me, and encourage me," Akhtar said. "But this is also true: the extremists from this side also abuse me, and the extremists from that side also abuse. This is the reality. If even one of them stops abusing, I will get worried about what mistake I am making," he added. "One says I am a 'kaafir' and will go to hell. The other says I am a jihadi and should go to Pakistan, Akhtar said, adding, "Toh agar mere paas sirf choice Pakistan aur jahannum yani nark ki hain toh main nark hi jaana pasand karunga." (ANI)
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