A resurfaced video of veteran lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar has ignited a fresh wave of online debate, coinciding with the ongoing controversy surrounding Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. The clip, where Akhtar discusses face-covering customs, has gained new relevance in light of allegations involving Kumar and a woman's hijab.
Akhtar's Firm Stance on Personal Dignity
While Javed Akhtar has a long history of speaking out against coercive social traditions, his recent remarks delivered a powerful and specific message. He issued a strong statement condemning any form of physical interference with a woman's choice of clothing. Akhtar made a clear distinction between intellectually questioning societal practices and violating an individual's bodily autonomy and dignity. His core argument is that personal beliefs or social norms can never justify physically touching a woman or removing an article of her attire against her will.
The Bihar CM Controversy and National Conversation
This principled stand from the celebrated writer has directly intensified the polarising national conversation around an incident involving Bihar CM Nitish Kumar. The controversy, which erupted in December 2025, alleges that Kumar was involved in an act of removing a woman's hijab. Akhtar's comments, though not naming anyone directly, are widely seen as a pointed critique of such actions, placing the debate firmly within the framework of consent and personal freedom.
The timing of the video's resurgence is significant. It has moved the discussion beyond mere political blame games and into a broader examination of ethics and individual rights in a diverse society. The online discourse has become intensely polarised, with many supporting Akhtar's defence of personal dignity, while others debate the intersections of tradition, authority, and personal liberty.
Broader Implications and Reactions
Akhtar's intervention adds considerable weight to the controversy, framing it as a universal issue of women's safety and autonomy rather than an isolated political event. His stature as a respected public intellectual ensures the message reaches a wide audience, further fuelling the debate across social media platforms and news channels.
The incident and Akhtar's condemnation have also sparked related discussions. Notably, former 'Dangal' star Zaira Wasim also reacted strongly to the viral hijab video involving the Bihar Chief Minister, highlighting how the issue has resonated with prominent figures, especially women from the Muslim community. This collective response underscores a growing insistence on separating respectful critique of practices from disrespectful physical enforcement or interference.
Ultimately, Javed Akhtar's clear and uncompromising statement serves as a societal mirror. It challenges the nation to reflect on where the line falls between observing tradition and upholding the inviolable right of every individual, especially women, to personal dignity and bodily integrity without fear of non-consensual physical action.
