Javed Akhtar: Several people in Pakistan want to have a good relationship with India

The iconic poet and artist, Javed Akhtar, who recently visited Lahore for Faiz Mela, expressed his opinion on terrorism with reference to the 26/11 attacks. He said that a segment of Pakistan desires a good relationship with India and added that it is natural for an individual to feel love for the country they are born in.

Speaking at the Ideas of India Summit organised by ABP Network, Javed said, "The fact is, we are unaware that a huge segment of Pakistan wants to have good relations with India because they see us as a neighbouring country with a lot of development, a growing industry, and a rich culture."

He further added that feeling love for the country and the city of one's birth is natural, and it is problematic if someone does not feel that love.

To elaborate on the point, Javed cited an example from sports, where every team has a separate anthem and players show devotion with their faces filled with love. He said that it is impossible for an individual not to worship their anthem and feel goosebumps.

However, the veteran author also emphasised the importance of everyone's contribution to humanity. He pointed out, "By virtue of the fact that I was born as a human being, I must contribute to mankind."

Javed Akhtar is a much-loved and celebrated lyricist who still has a strong hold on younger audiences with his poetry and songs. He last wrote Doori, The Train Song, and Ek Hee Rasta, for the award-winning film, Gully Boy, starring Alia Bhatt and Ranveer Singh.