Summary: Celebrated lyricist Javed Akhtar faced online trolling for praising Virat Kohli’s century against Pakistan in the ICC Champions Trophy. In his signature style, Akhtar hit back at critics, making a strong statement about patriotism and India’s cricketing dominance.
Virat Kohli’s masterclass against Pakistan in the ICC Champions Trophy sparked jubilant celebrations across India. His match-winning century not only secured India’s spot in the semi-finals but also showcased his resilience amidst growing scrutiny over his form. Among the many who lauded Kohli was legendary lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar. However, his admiration for the cricketing icon drew unwarranted criticism on social media, with trolls targeting him over his political and personal views. Akhtar, known for his sharp wit and fearless rebuttals, did not hold back and delivered a fitting response that left the internet divided.
Kohli’s Brilliance in the Champions Trophy
Before delving into the controversy, it’s essential to appreciate the sheer brilliance of Virat Kohli’s performance. Entering the match with critics questioning his place in the team, the batting maestro silenced doubters with a scintillating century. His 51st ODI hundred was a masterclass in technique and temperament, dismantling the Pakistani bowling attack in Dubai. His innings powered India to a commanding victory, ensuring Pakistan’s near-certain exit from the tournament.
The electrifying encounter saw fans and celebrities flood social media with praise for Kohli. From Bollywood to sports legends, accolades poured in from all quarters. Among them was Javed Akhtar, whose post celebrating Kohli’s innings became an unexpected flashpoint for online trolls.
Javed Akhtar Faces Backlash on Social Media
Javed Akhtar, revered for his contributions to Indian cinema and literature, has never shied away from voicing his opinions. His tweet, applauding Kohli’s innings, was met with mixed reactions. While many echoed his sentiments, a section of social media users used it as an opportunity to target him.
One troll sarcastically wrote:
“Aj suraj kaha se nikla. Andar se dukh hoga apko to” (Where did the Sun rise from today? You must be hurting inside.)
The implication was that Akhtar, often perceived as a critic of certain ideologies, must have been displeased by India’s triumph. The insinuation was baseless, but the veteran lyricist didn’t let it slide.
Akhtar’s Epic Response to the Trolls
Javed Akhtar is not one to mince words, and his reply was nothing short of fiery. In a blistering counter, he shot back:
“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 premion ka khoon hai aur tumhari ragon mein angrez ke naukaron ka khoon hai. Iss anter ko bhoolo nahin.”
(Son, when your forefathers were licking the boots of the British, mine were in jail and in Kala Pani fighting for India’s freedom. My veins carry the blood of patriots, while yours carry the blood of British servants. Don’t forget this difference.)
The savage response was a clear reminder of his unwavering belief in India’s rich history of freedom fighters, contrasting it with the blind hate propagated by some online.
As the trolls continued their attacks, Akhtar further shut them down with another sharp retort:
“Main to sirf yeh kahoonga ke tum ek neech insaan ho aur neech hi marogay. Tum kya jano desh prem kya hota hai.”
(I would only like to say that you are a vile person and will die a vile person. How would you know what patriotism is?)
His words quickly went viral, with many netizens hailing his unapologetic stance against online hate.
The Broader Context: Patriotism, Cricket, and Online Toxicity
This incident isn’t just about a Twitter spat; it reflects the growing polarization on social media. Cricket, often dubbed a religion in India, should be a unifying factor. However, even a simple congratulatory message from a celebrity is enough to trigger ideological battles.
Javed Akhtar’s response underscores a larger debate about patriotism. Does supporting a cricket team equate to nationalism? And should personal political biases dictate who gets to celebrate an Indian victory? These questions have become increasingly relevant in the digital age.
The barrage of trolling against public figures for their opinions is not new. Whether it is sports, cinema, or politics, online discourse often spirals into toxicity, with individuals facing unwarranted attacks for expressing their views.
India’s Path Forward in the Champions Trophy
While the social media storm raged on, the Indian cricket team remained focused on their ultimate goal—lifting the ICC Champions Trophy. With their emphatic victory over Pakistan and New Zealand’s triumph over Bangladesh, India officially secured their spot in the semi-finals.
With key players like Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Jasprit Bumrah hitting peak form, the Men in Blue are strong contenders for the title. As the tournament progresses, fans hope the team continues their winning streak, bringing glory to the nation once again.
Javed Akhtar’s exchange with trolls serves as a reminder of the ever-intensifying battle between free speech and online hate. While social media provides a platform for dialogue, it also amplifies negativity and baseless criticism.
As cricket unites the nation in celebration, it’s crucial to rise above petty digital warfare and appreciate the brilliance of the game. Kohli’s innings was a testament to resilience and skill, deserving praise from all, irrespective of personal beliefs.
Javed Akhtar’s response, though strong, highlights the need for reasoned discussions instead of reactionary outrage. Perhaps, the true takeaway from this saga is to focus on what truly matters—India’s success on the world stage, both in cricket and beyond.
As Team India marches ahead in the Champions Trophy, the country stands behind them, undivided in its support. And in the words of Javed Akhtar, some things—like patriotism—should never be up for debate.
Last Updated on: Tuesday, February 25, 2025 1:37 pm by Outlook News Team | Published by: Outlook News Team on Tuesday, February 25, 2025 1:37 pm | News Categories: News
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