New Delhi, Dec 18: Veteran lyricist Javed Akhtar sparked debate at SOA Literary Festival 2025, claiming women who “willingly” wear burqas are brainwashed by social pressure and questioned why anyone should be ashamed of their face.
Akhtar distinguished modesty from concealing one’s face, arguing that no part of a woman’s visage is vulgar or obscene enough to hide. He stated, “If she says she is doing it on her own, then she is brainwashed,” attributing it to peer pressure and family approval rather than free choice. He emphasized equal standards for dignified dressing for men and women, without mandating face veils.
Akhtar’s remarks follow a viral video of Bihar CM Nitish Kumar pulling down a woman’s hijab at a Patna event, drawing outrage including from former actor Zaira Wasim, who demanded an unconditional apology for violating her dignity. Wasim, who left Bollywood in 2019 citing faith conflicts, called the act infuriating on X. The comments reignite discussions on religion, women’s autonomy, and public behavior in India.
