Javed Akhtar shatters myth that Urdu is a Muslim language, says it is ‘region’ and not ‘religion’ specific | Hindi Movie News

During an event, writer-lyricist Javed Akhtar dispelled misconceptions about Hindi and Urdu, emphasizing that it’s incorrect to associate one with Hindus and the other with Muslims. He highlighted that language is rooted in region, not religion, asserting that Urdu is as much a Hindustani language as Hindi.
Akhtar also expressed that blaming governments for the decline of the Urdu script over the years is unjust, as those who consider themselves custodians of their culture, haven’t adequately imparted this knowledge to younger generations.The veteran lyricist and screen-writer was part of a discussion about Hindi and Urdu being ‘ Siamese Twins’ at India International Centre.

At the discussion, he mentioned that Hindi and Urdu were equals until about 200 years ago, when, for political reasons, they were separated by the Britishers to create cultural difference in North India.
He also raised the point that claimed that Urdu is a Muslim language, to which he said then how do you look at the 10 crore Bengalis in erstwhile East Pakistan or when Malayalam giants like Vaikom Muhammad Basheer, was writing in Urdu?
He also added that it is equally incorrect to say that Hindi is a language of Hindus. He asked the people who claim this to go, and say it to the people in Tamil Nadu. He shared that languages cannot belong to a religion. They belong to regions. To prove his point, he wrapped up by asking if English can be called the language of Chritians?