Overview
- The exchange began after Akhtar criticised President Donald Trump’s claim that Italy’s prime minister begged for a photo, a remark Akhtar posted on X on Saturday.
- An anonymous user replied with an Islamophobic couplet referencing houris of paradise, and Akhtar shot back by stating he is an atheist and writing, “my qaum are all Indians.”
- Akhtar also answered a separate critic who told him to stick to songwriting by challenging that user’s qualifications and telling them to “go, fly a kite.”
- News coverage highlights Akhtar’s public profile—he is a veteran lyricist and screenwriter, a former nominated Rajya Sabha member, a Padma Bhushan awardee, and a Richard Dawkins Award recipient—which helps explain media interest in his political remarks.
- Reporters say the episode illustrates how X channels communalised abuse and how prominent cultural figures then use the platform to push back, and there is no sign of official escalation beyond media reporting.