Javed Akhtar calls troll ‘cockroach’ for fat-shaming Rohit Sharma: ‘What kind of neech, pathetic liar…’

Once again Virat has proved that he is the strongest pillar of today’s Indian cricket’ s edifice ! ! ! . Hats off !!

— Javed Akhtar (@Javedakhtarjadu) March 5, 2025

Another user asked him in the comment section, “When did your ancestors went to Kaala Paani for fighting for freedom? You have claimed several times so its important to ask. Enlighten us!” Javed wrote in response, “Google my background. Read about my great grandfather Fazle Haq Khairabadi. Then Google about my maternal uncle, real brother of my mom, Ansar Harwani. I want to give you more names but don’t want to overload your delicate mind.”

Fazl-E-Haq Khairabadi was a scholar, theologian, and poet. An activist of the Indian freedom struggle, he issued an early religious edict in favour of doing military jihad against British colonialism. He campaigned against the British rule in the 1857 Rebellion. The British arrested him and tried him for inciting violence. He was found guilty, banished from the Indian mainland, and tried in the Kaala Paani jail at Andaman and Nicobar Islands, where he died after 22 months of captivity. Ansar Harvani was a member of the Indian National Congress and the Lok Sabha, who opposed the Partition of India.

A troll went on to the extent of accusing Javed Akhtar of favouritism. “If Virat is strongest pillar, then who is Rohit Sharma? Heaviest pillar? Shame on you Javed saab for fat shaming Indian captain,” they wrote. Javed responded rather angrily, “Shut up you cockroach. I have great respect for Rohit Sharma and all the great cricketers of Test history. What kind of a neech (lowly) and pathetic liar you are that you are claiming that I have ever said a word against dignity of a great player like Rohit. Kabhi socho tum itne gande aur ghatiya aadmi kyo ho (think why you’re such a bad and pathetic person).”

Earlier this year, after Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma chose to opt out of the Australian test series, Javed’s son and actor-filmmaker Farhan Akhtar lauded and defended his decision through an Instagram post. “@rohitsharma45 You’re a superstar. You know what you’re doing and I know you won’t let the negativity get you down.. but just want to say thank you for showing the world that you put team before individual. It’s a hard thing to do and only the strongest of mind and heart can do it. That’s what makes a great leader. See you back on the field soon,” wrote Farhan.