Pakistani actor Ahsan Khan has come under fire after a video surfaced showing him at a recent literary event in the UK Parliament, seated alongside celebrated Indian artists Javed Akhtar and Shabana Azmi. The event, intended to celebrate South Asian literature and cultural exchange, has instead sparked a wave of online criticism.

The controversy erupted after a clip circulated on social media, capturing Khan praising the contributions of Akhtar and Azmi during his address. Emphasizing the unifying power of art, Khan spoke of creativity as a force capable of transcending borders and fostering regional harmony.

While the event itself remained civil and focused on promoting cross-cultural dialogue, many online users took issue with Khan’s warm remarks, especially given Javed Akhtar’s prior statements about Pakistan. In 2023, Akhtar publicly accused Pakistan of sheltering individuals linked to the 2008 Mumbai attacks—remarks that triggered significant backlash in Pakistan at the time.

In light of those tensions, Khan’s apparent camaraderie with Akhtar reignited public outrage. Critics across social media platforms labeled the actor’s appearance “tone-deaf” and “disappointing.” One user commented, “It’s not just about art; it’s about dignity,” while others called for celebrities to be more sensitive to national sentiment.

Khan, a consistent advocate for regional peace and cultural diplomacy, aimed to use the event to underscore the importance of dialogue through the arts. He maintained that literature and storytelling have long served as bridges between divided communities.

Nevertheless, the incident highlights the delicate balance artists must maintain when engaging in cross-border interactions, especially amid fraught political contexts. Though Khan’s message was one of unity, for many, the optics of the moment clouded the intention — revealing how quickly cultural diplomacy can become entangled in broader national narratives.