Javed Akhtar Claps Back At Pak Actress Bushra Ansari's Comment, 'Yeah, Shabana And I Sleep On The..'

Veteran lyricist, Javed Akhtar has never been one to mince words when it comes to stating facts. In a recent interview, the writer gave a befitting reply to Pakistani television actress, Bushra Ansari, after the latter took an indirect dig at him, mocking his household issues in the past. Javed Akhtar, in his signature candour, responded to the actress with a touch of biting sarcasm.

Javed Akhtar’s sharp retort to Bushra Ansari’s comment 

During a candid interaction with The Lallantop, Javed Akhtar addressed the controversial comment of Pak actress, Bushra Ansari, where she took an indirect dig at the writer for not being able to get a residence in Mumbai. Ansari's comment came days after the veteran lyricist condemned the Pahalgam attack. Reacting to the same, Javed Akhtar said:

“There’s this famous Pakistani TV actor, Bushra Ansari, who once asked angrily why I won’t stay quiet. She said I should be quiet like Naseeruddin Shah. But who is she to suggest that to me? I might have 25 problems, but I am an Indian when it comes to her.”

What sparked the cold exchange?

The drama started when Akhtar delivered a powerful speech at the Gauravshaali Maharashtra Mahotsav, condemning the brutal terror attack that broke out on the once serene Baisaran Valley of Pahalgam on April 22, 2025, claiming the lives of 26 civilians. 

The lyricist-writer strongly condemned the incident and emphasised that India should never forget, emphasising that it’s not a small matter. Javed Akhtar’s strong words didn't sit well with Bushra Ansari, who took to social media and indirectly told him to stay quiet. The actress also mocked his past housing issues, and said:

“Unko toh bas bahana chahiye. Bombay mein makaan kiraye pe nahi milta tha. Chup ho jaayein. Naseeruddin Shah bhi toh chup hain.”

Weeks after Bushra Ansari's comment, Javed Akhtar gave a befitting reply in his recent interview. The lyricist didn't deny that there was a time when his wife, actress Shabana Azmi, had to struggle with finding a house in Mumbai around 25 years ago, as people didn't want to rent to a Muslim. Addressing the real context of the incident, Javed explained:

“Yeah, me and Shabana sleep on the footpath these days. See, it is true that Shabana wanted to buy a flat around 25 years ago, but they refused, saying she’s a Muslim. These were people whose parents hailed from Sindh. They were driven out during the partition. The wounds run deep, and that bitterness was taken out on us. But who is responsible for that? We got so much love here… They should look at their own history before pointing fingers at us.”

Javed Akhtar emphasised the fact that it was a matter of the past, that too, coming from a Sindh family who grew bitter towards Muslims after being driven out during the partition. He also mentioned that he and his family get ample love and respect here, adding that Ansari needs to look at the history of her country before making such comments.

What do you think about Javed Akhtar’s biting retort at Bushra Ansari’s remarks?

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