21 June,2026 07:05 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Javed Akhtar (Picture via X)
Veteran lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar recently gave a sharp response to an online troll who targeted him with an Islamophobic remark on social media. Known for expressing his views on politics, religion, and current affairs, Akhtar once again refused to stay silent when confronted with hateful comments.
The exchange began after Akhtar shared his views on an issue involving former US President Donald Trump. While many users engaged with the discussion, one social media user attempted to attack the writer by making comments about his religion and identity.
Rather than ignoring the remark, Akhtar responded directly and reminded the troll that he has long identified himself as an atheist. The celebrated writer pointed out that assumptions about his beliefs based solely on his name reflected a lack of understanding.
Over the years, Akhtar has repeatedly stated that he does not follow any religion and considers himself an atheist. Despite this, he often finds himself at the centre of debates related to religion because of his outspoken nature and willingness to comment on social and political issues.
Responding to the troll, Akhtar highlighted the irony of being targeted with religious abuse despite his publicly known stance on faith. His reply quickly gained traction online, with many social media users praising him for shutting down the comment with facts rather than engaging in a prolonged argument.
This is not the first time Akhtar has addressed misconceptions about his beliefs. In the past, he has openly spoken about being an atheist and has even taken legal action against misinformation. Earlier this year, he strongly condemned an AI-generated video that falsely claimed he had embraced religion, calling it "rubbish" and warning of possible legal consequences for those responsible.
Akhtar has often maintained that religious identity should not be assumed based on a person's name or background. His latest response echoed that sentiment, underlining his long-held position on personal belief and individual freedom.
As screenshots of the exchange circulated online, many supporters applauded the veteran writer for his witty comeback and for challenging stereotypes. The incident once again highlighted how public figures continue to face online trolling, while also demonstrating Akhtar's readiness to respond when misinformation or prejudice comes his way.
