Archive · 2 Sep 2025
Javed Akhtar Event Postponed Amid Protests; Rights Groups Criticize
The West Bengal Urdu Academy canceled a literary event featuring Javed Akhtar after protests.
The event was to explore Urdu's role in Hindi cinema.
Islamic groups, including Jamiat Ulema Kolkata, objected to Akhtar's presence, citing his views on Islam.
Rights groups are criticizing the academy for the cancellation.
Akhtar, who identifies as an atheist, has been outspoken.
One group warned of protests like those that led to author Taslima Nasreen leaving Bengal years ago.
The state government, headed by Mamata Banerjee who is also the chairperson of the academy, is under pressure.
West Bengal Urdu Academy postponed an event featuring Javed Akhtar.
The event was titled "Hindi Filmon Mein Urdu ka Kirdar".
Islamic groups protested Akhtar's invitation.
Rights groups have criticized the postponement.
The postponement was announced after Jamiat Ulema Kolkata voiced concerns.
- Who
- Javed Akhtar, West Bengal Urdu Academy, Jamiat Ulema Kolkata, rights groups
- What
- Postponement of a literary event
- When
- Originally scheduled from Sunday to Wednesday
- Where
- Kolkata, West Bengal
- Why
- Objections from Islamic groups to Javed Akhtar's participation
Supporters of Free Speech
Religious Objectors
Freedom of Expression
Supporters of Free Speech
Support Akhtar's right to express his views without censorship.
Religious Objectors
Concerned about the impact of Akhtar's comments on religious sensibilities.
Secularism vs. Religious Concerns
Supporters of Free Speech
Freedom of speech and secular values should be upheld.
Religious Objectors
Religious sentiments should be respected and protected.
- Event Name
- "Hindi Filmon Mein Urdu ka Kirdar"
- Featured Guest
- Javed Akhtar
- Event Organizer
- West Bengal Urdu Academy
- Original Dates
- Sunday to Wednesday
- Location
- Kolkata, West Bengal
- Reason for Postponement
- Unspecified "unavoidable circumstances"
- Protesting Groups
- Jamiat Ulema Kolkata, Wahyain Foundation
- Criticism
- Rights groups condemn the postponement
Sources
Activist's "Muslim Right" Post After Javed Akhtar's Kolkata Event Postponed
Bengal Urdu Academy cancels literary event over invitation to lyricist Javed Akhtar, draws backlash
‘My name has nothing to do with Islam’: Javed Akhtar on Bengal Urdu Academy snub
Four-day Urdu event abruptly postponed over Javed Akhtar invite row in the programme
'I Get Hate Mail From Both Sides': Javed Akhtar Reacts After Bengal Urdu Academy Cancels Event
Javed Akhtar event postponed after Muslims protest
Rights groups criticise Bengal Urdu Academy for postponing event to be attended by Javed Akhtar