Javed Akhtar gives it back to trolls questioning his patriotism: ‘When your father was licking soles of the British, mine was in jail at Kaala Paani’

Veteran lyricist and scriptwriter Javed Akhtar recently lashed out at trolls on X, responding to their inciting comments made on his post praising Virat Kohli after his performance in the India vs Pakistan match in the ongoing Champions Trophy 2025.

Excited by India’s win against Pak, Javed wrote, “Virat Kohli, zindabad!!! We all are so so so proud of you !!!”

To this innocuous post, some netizens tried to give a bigoted twist. “Javed. Babar ka baap Kohli hai. Bolo, Jai Shree Ram!" (Javed. Babar’s (Mughal ruler) dad is Kohli. Say Jai Shree Ram). To this Javed replied, “Main to sirf yeh kahoonga ke tum eik neech insaan ho aur neech hi maroge. Tum kya jaano desh prem kya hota hai (I want to say that you are a petty person and you will die petty too. What do you know about patriotism).”

However, he couldn’t hold back when another wrote, “Aaj suraj kahaa se nikla. Andar se dukh hoga aapko to (Where from did the sun rise today? You must be feeling sad).”

“Beta jab tumhare baap dada angrez ke jootay chaat rahe thay tab mere aazadi ke liye jail aur kala paani mein thay. Meri ragon mein desh premiyon ka khoon hai aur tumhaari ragon mein angrez ke naukaron ka khoon hai. Iss antar ko bhoolo nahin (Son, when your father and grandfather were licking the boots of the British, mine was in jail and Kaala Paani (a prison in Port Blair). I have the blood of patriots in my veins, whereas yours have the blood of servants of the British. Never forget the difference),” replied Javed.

Javed, a staunch atheist, has in the past too given it back to the trolls. On the work front, he has penned lyrics for songs in the upcoming film Superboys of Malegaon, which has been backed by his daughter Zoya Akhtar.