Muslim Intellectuals in Kolkata Protest Cancellation of Javed Akhtar’s Event

Muslim intellectuals in Kolkata have voiced strong opposition to the cancellation of an event featuring renowned poet and lyricist Javed Akhtar, organized by the West Bengal Urdu Academy. They have expressed their dismay by writing an open letter to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Prominent theatre personalities in Kolkata have also protested the decision.

In the open letter to the Chief Minister, Muslim intellectuals including Mudar Patherya, Zeeshan Majeed, Taiyyeb Ahmed, and Rakesh Jhunjhunwala expressed regret over the West Bengal Urdu Academy’s decision to cancel the event. The signatories urged the state government to intervene and direct the Academy to reverse its decision.

Addressing the Chief Minister, the intellectuals wrote, “We are disappointed that this happened under your leadership. Thousands of people who value freedom of expression want to see you stand up for it.” Theatre director, actor, and filmmaker Suman Mukhopadhyay told the media, “Such an incident is deeply regrettable. The more such events occur, the greater the impact on our democracy. Any form of religious fundamentalism is dangerous for society, culture, and the nation.” Theatre director and actor Kaushik Sen also protested the cancellation, stating, “Javed Akhtar is someone who speaks out not only against Islamic fundamentalism but also against Hindu fundamentalism.”

The West Bengal Urdu Academy had invited Javed Akhtar as the chief guest for a discussion titled “Urdu in Hindi Cinema,” scheduled from August 31 to September 3. However, the decision angered certain Islamic organizations, including Jamiat Ulema Kolkata and the Wahyain Foundation, who objected to Akhtar’s participation, labeling him as someone who speaks against religion and God

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