Javed Akhtar praises late singer Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s fearless pro-India stand in Pakistan: 'He was courageous'

Javed Akhtar has once more reflected on the enduring cultural ties between India and Pakistan. He warmly recalls his profound respect for late Pakistani qawwali legend Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, emphasizing the power of shared artistic heritage.

Controversy and Unwavering Respect

Earlier, Javed Akhtar received appreciation in India but faced backlash in Pakistan for openly criticizing Pakistan’s history of providing refuge to those responsible for attacks like 26/11 during his visit to Lahore. Despite this, he firmly states that his admiration for Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan remains "untarnished." While speaking on AajTak Radio, Akhtar shared a moving story from a music launch event in Delhi that revealed Nusrat’s remarkable "candour and courage."

Javed's collaboration with Nusrat

Javed openly admitted, “I’m not a huge fan of qawwali as a genre, but I was a great admirer of Nusrat. He was a lovely man. We worked together on an album titled Sangam — I wrote it, he composed it." He fondly recalled an event at a luxury hotel in Delhi where Nusrat spoke to a full house, with officials from the Pakistan High Commission seated prominently in the front row.

Nusrat’s Bold Words to the Pakistan High Commission

“Nusrat was asked to say a few words. He said, ‘I travel all over the world, but the reception I get in India is unmatched. I hang my head in shame when people ask me why my country hasn’t hosted Lata Mangeshkar. I’m saying this here because I want the people from the Pakistan High Commission to pay attention,’" Javed recalled.

Javed Akhtar showers praise
Akhtar considered that incident as an extraordinary demonstration of courage. He remarked, “It takes conviction, daring, and honesty to make such a statement. For me, as an Indian, it’s not a big deal to say this. But for a Pakistani to say this on Indian soil and then return home — that’s incredibly courageous." He went on to express his heartfelt admiration for Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, saying, “I have nothing but love and admiration for Nusrat. He died so young. He was on his way to America to sign a record deal with none other than Madonna. Who knows what more greatness he would have achieved had he lived longer."