Javed Akhtar invitation sparks row, Bengal Urdu Academy cancels literary event

A literary event organised by the West Bengal Urdu Academy in Kolkata was abruptly cancelled after certain Islamic groups opposed the invitation extended to poet and lyricist Javed Akhtar, according to reports. This led to a backlash from the literary and intellectual community.

The event, which was scheduled to take place from August 31 to September 3, had planned to feature Akhtar as the chief guest. He was expected to participate in a panel discussion on the topic “Urdu in Hindi Cinema.”

However, the invitation to Akhtar, who frequently attends cultural programmes in Kolkata, drew strong objections from groups such as the Jamiat Ulema, Kolkata, and the Wahyain Foundation, eventually leading to the cancellation, the Indian Express reported.

The Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind's Kolkata unit General Secretary Zillur Rahman Arif opposed the invitation of Javed Akhtar as the chief guest at the Kolkata Mushaira.

“Javed Akhtar has spoken a lot of bad things against Islam, against Muslims, and against Allah. This person is not a human but a devil in human guise. Do not include Javed Akhtar in this programme," he said.

He added that the event is a matter of joy for the whole of West Bengal, but inviting Akhtar to it has caused a lot of unease among the people within the Muslim community.

"There are many good poets, writers, and journalists in the Urdu world who can be invited to this programme," it added.

The controversy surrounding the event has reignited discussions on freedom of expression, tolerance, and the growing influence of religious groups on cultural matters.

Poet and filmmaker Gauhar Raza expressed his disappointment on social media, describing the cancellation as deeply troubling and unacceptable. He compared the actions of Hindu and Muslim fundamentalists, arguing that both seek to suppress rational voices, and described Javed Akhtar as a strong and creative advocate of reason.

The Association for the Protection of Democratic Rights (APDR) released a statement condemning the decision, stressing its broader impact on democratic freedoms.

Meanwhile, social activist Manzar Jameel criticised the protesters’ intentions in a social media post. “If people had issues with his ideas, they could have confronted him there. Clearly, that is not their real purpose,” he wrote. Jameel defended the personal beliefs of artists and intellectuals, stating, “Thoughts, ideas, or beliefs of any writer or intellectual are his personal domain.”