Shabana & I Sleep on Streets Jokes Javed on Pak Actress’ ‘They Don’t Get Flat on Rent’ Remark
The age-old debate about Indian and Pakistani artists being pitted against each other has taken a new turn. In a recent interview with The Lallantop, veteran lyricist Javed Akhtar responded to Pakistani actress Bushra Ansari’s comments, which left many tongues wagging. Ansari, known for her sharp tongue and unafraid to speak her mind, had said that Javed Akhtar should “stay quiet like Naseeruddin Shah” and that he “can’t even get a house on rent in Mumbai”.
But Javed Akhtar, never one to shy away from a challenge, hit back at Ansari’s remarks with his trademark wit and humor. When asked about Ansari’s comments, Akhtar said, “Who’s she to decide when I should speak? Of course! Shabana and I are sleeping on the streets these days.” He added, “If you don’t have a flat to rent, it’s not because you’re not a good lyricist, maybe you’re just not a good renter!”
Akhtar’s response was met with a mix of amusement and approval from fans and critics alike. His ability to take the high road and respond with humor, rather than getting defensive or upset, is a testament to his maturity and class as an artist.
For those who may not know, Javed Akhtar is a highly respected and accomplished lyricist in Bollywood, with a career spanning over four decades. He has written some of the most iconic songs in Indian cinema, including “Mere Mehboob Mere Sanam” from the movie “Mere Mehboob”, “Kajra Re” from “Bunty Aur Babli”, and “Dola Re Dola” from “Devdas”, among many others.
Bushra Ansari, on the other hand, is a Pakistani actress and comedian who has been active in the Pakistani entertainment industry for many years. While she has gained a reputation for her sharp wit and humor, her recent comments about Javed Akhtar have been met with widespread criticism and ridicule.
So, what led to this spat between two artists from different countries? According to sources, Ansari’s comments were sparked by a recent interview where Akhtar spoke about his views on the Indian film industry and the challenges faced by artists. Ansari took to social media to respond to Akhtar’s comments, saying that he was “jealous” of Pakistani artists and that he “can’t even get a house on rent in Mumbai”.
Akhtar’s response, as we know, was to joke that he and his wife Shabana Azmi are “sleeping on the streets these days”. This lighthearted remark has been seen as a classic example of Akhtar’s wit and humor, and has earned him widespread praise and admiration.
But beyond the humor, Akhtar’s response also highlights the absurdity of Ansari’s original comments. By implying that Akhtar is unable to get a house on rent in Mumbai, Ansari was making a personal attack on him, rather than engaging with his views on the film industry. Akhtar’s response, on the other hand, was a clever way of deflecting attention away from Ansari’s personal jab and focusing on the issue at hand.
In the end, the spat between Javed Akhtar and Bushra Ansari serves as a reminder that, even in the world of entertainment, personal attacks and insults are never the answer. By responding with humor and wit, Akhtar showed that even in the face of adversity, one can maintain their dignity and composure.
