Hijab row: Javed Akhtar demands 'unconditional apology' from Nitish Kumar
18 Dec 2025

Veteran lyricist Javed Akhtar has demanded an "unconditional apology" from Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for pulling down a woman's hijab at an event.

Despite being "against the traditional concept of Parda," Akhtar said he cannot accept Kumar's actions.

The incident occurred while handing appointment letters to AYUSH doctors and has since sparked widespread outrage on social media and in political circles.

Akhtar's strong condemnation of Kumar's actions
Social media post

Akhtar took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his disapproval, saying, "Everyone who knows me even in the most cursory manner knows how much I am against the traditional concept of Parda but it doesn't mean that by any stretch of imagination I can accept what Mr. Nitish Kumar has done to a Muslim lady doctor."

"I condemn it in very strong words. Mr. Nitish Kumar owes an unconditional apology to the lady."

Kumar's controversial act was captured on video
Incident details

The controversy erupted when a video surfaced online showing Kumar pulling down a woman's hijab while handing her an appointment letter.

The incident took place at Samvad, the CM's secretariat, where over 1,000 AYUSH doctors were given their appointment letters.

The appointee in question was Nusrat Parveen, who had arrived wearing a hijab across her face.

Deputy CM's apparent attempt to restrain Kumar
Political reaction

The incident has drawn criticism from various quarters.

Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, who was standing next to Kumar during the incident, was seen tugging at his sleeve in an apparent attempt to restrain him.

The matter continues to be a hot topic of discussion in political circles and on social media.

Zaira Wasim also condemned the incident
Celebrity reaction

The incident has also drawn condemnation from actor Zaira Wasim, who took to X to express her outrage.

She wrote, "A woman's dignity and modesty are not props to toy with. Least of all on a public stage."

"As a Muslim woman, watching another woman's niqab being pulled at so casually...was so infuriating. Power does not grant permission to violate boundaries. @NitishKumar owes that woman an unconditional apology."

Actor-dancer Rakhi Sawant also slammed Kumar.