Renowned Pakistani actor and comedian Ahmed Ali Butt has strongly criticized Indian poet and lyricist Javed Akhtar, saying that respect is often not reciprocated by some Indian artists.
Speaking on his YouTube podcast, Butt said Javed Akhtar is among those Indian figures who, in his view, have lost their artistic credibility and now contribute more to controversy than to art.
He recalled that Javed Akhtar had visited Pakistan last year, where he was received with warm hospitality and respect. However, Butt said Akhtar later made statements against Pakistan, which he described as disappointing.
Ahmed Ali Butt remarked that he has come to believe that expecting respect from certain Indian artists is meaningless, adding that such individuals do not deserve the honour extended to them.
He further said that while he considers himself a calm and composed person, criticism or public backlash becomes natural when kindness and respect are met with disrespect or negative remarks.
The comments have sparked discussion on social media regarding cross-border cultural exchanges and mutual respect between artists from Pakistan and India.