Actress Mansha Pasha has weighed in on the recent comments made by Indian lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar regarding cross-border artistic exchange, calling for greater self-respect from Pakistanis in the face of repeated condescension.

Taking to her Instagram stories, the Laal Kabootar star reposted a news report highlighting Akhtar’s remarks, writing: “This reminds me of when he was here in Pakistan and there were cringeworthy videos of people at a party sitting literally at his feet after he had made derogatory remarks about Pakistan at an event.”

Reminding everyone of a gathering hosted by Ali Zafar in Akhtar’s honour, she added, “Honestly, the fault lies with us because it’s clear that we need to have more self-respect,” she added. Her pointed comments reference Akhtar’s 2023 visit to Pakistan, during which, despite his history of controversial statements, he was welcomed warmly by many in the local elite – a scene that resurfaced this week in light of his renewed criticism.

In an interview with the Press Trust of India (PTI), Akhtar defended the sidelining of Pakistani actors in India, calling the cultural exchange between the two countries “one-way traffic.” He cited legends like Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Mehdi Hassan, and Ghulam Ali as having performed in India to great acclaim, but he claimed that Indian artists, including the iconic Lata Mangeshkar, were never allowed similar access in Pakistan due to “systemic blockage.”