Senior Bollywood actor Naseeruddin Shah has criticized the international uproar over the recent comments made by ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesperson Nupur Sharma about the Prophet of Islam and the film industry, especially the three Khans Salman, Shah Rukh and Aamir has talked about his silence in an interview.
In an interview with NDTV, Naseeruddin Shah speculated that some of the country’s biggest stars might have a fear of losing a lot by speaking out. He also commented on the rise of ‘fake patriotic’ cinema such as the film Kashmir Files.
Nupur Sharma was suspended by the BJP after several Middle Eastern countries officially expressed concern over his remarks about the Prophet of Islam in a recent TV news debate.
The BJP distanced itself from his comments, describing it as a ‘small element’ and said his statements did not reflect the views of the party.
Naseeruddin Shah said about the three women, ‘I cannot speak for them. I am not in the position they are in. I think they think they’re taking too much risk. But then I don’t know how they explain their conscience about it. But I think they are in a position where they have a lot to lose.’
He cited Shah Rukh Khan’s son Aryan’s ‘Witch Hunt’ as an example. ‘What happened to Shah Rukh Khan and the dignity with which he faced it was admirable. It was nothing but a witch hunt. He keeps his mouth shut. He only supported Trinamool and praised Mamata Banerjee. Sonu Sood is raided. Anyone who makes a statement gets a response. Maybe I’m next. I don’t know. (Laughs) They won’t get anything though.’
Aryan Khan was arrested by the Narcotics Control Bureau on drug charges on a Goa-bound cruise ship last year and was later sent to jail for several weeks before being granted bail. Aryan and five others were recently given a clean chit by the Narcotics Control Board due to ‘lack of evidence’ in its charge sheet.
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Naseeruddin Shah also spoke about the actors and filmmakers who are participating in projects that are considered nationalist.
Asked about Akshay Kumar’s recent output and Vivek Agnihotri’s blockbuster The Kashmir Files, Naseeruddin Shah said, “He wants to be on the side of success.” He called The Kashmir Files an “almost fictitious version of the plight of Kashmiri Hindus” and said “the government is promoting it.”
Naseeruddin Shah worked with Agnihotri on the equally controversial but less successful ‘The Tashkent Files’. He predicted an increase in the number of ‘fake patriotic films’ in the future.
Naseeruddin Shah said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi should go ahead and stop this poison.
In an interview, he said that steps need to be taken by Narendra Modi to stop this poison from growing.
Naseeruddin Shah said that the Prime Minister himself follows those who spread hatred on Twitter. We appeal to the Prime Minister to give some sense to these people, the woman who gave the controversial statement is not one of the extremist elements but a national spokesperson.
Naseeruddin Shah, who was born in Rabanki, Uttar Pradesh, often expresses concern about the growing religious hatred in the country in his political statements. They often complain about Muslims being treated as second-class citizens in India.
According to Wikipedia, he is a descendant of the 19th century Afghan warrior Jan Fashan Khan. Among his other famous relatives are Afghan writer Idris Shah, famous Pakistani actor Syed Kamal Shah, Shah Mehmood Alam and cricketer Owais Shah.
#BJPs #antireligious #statement #Naseeruddin #Shahs #complaint #Khans
Interview with Naseeruddin Shah on BJP Controversy and Bollywood’s Silence
Editor: Today, we have the esteemed actor Naseeruddin Shah joining us to discuss the recent controversy involving BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma’s comments and the silence of Bollywood’s leading stars. Thank you for being here, Naseeruddin.
Naseeruddin Shah: Thank you for having me.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. You criticized the uproar over Nupur Sharma’s comments. What are your thoughts on the silence of stars like Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, and Salman Khan regarding this issue?
Naseeruddin Shah: I believe there’s a substantial fear among them — the fear of losing too much by speaking out. These are individuals who have built immense careers and reputations, and speaking out could jeopardize that. Their silence might be a reflection of that risk assessment.
Editor: That seems to be a significant concern. You mentioned Shah Rukh Khan’s son, Aryan, and the challenges Shah Rukh faced during the recent scrutiny. Can you elaborate on that?
Naseeruddin Shah: Certainly. What happened to Aryan was nothing short of a witch hunt. Shah Rukh’s composure in the face of such adversity was admirable. It shows how vulnerable high-profile individuals can be and how the system can prey on them for their fame. This fear can stifle voices, and that is troubling.
Editor: You also spoke about nationalism in cinema, particularly with films like “The Kashmir Files.” How do you view such portrayals?
Naseeruddin Shah: Films like ”The Kashmir Files” present an almost fictitious narrative of the plight of Kashmiri Hindus. I think it’s concerning when the government endorses such works, as it blurs the line between art and propaganda. Actors and filmmakers sometimes align with this out of a desire for success, but it risks compromising authenticity.
Editor: In light of your comments, do you think there’s a larger implication for freedom of expression in Bollywood?
Naseeruddin Shah: Absolutely. The climate is becoming increasingly hostile for dissenting voices. While I can’t speak for my colleagues, the risks appear real, and that can inhibit dialogue, creativity, and the truth in storytelling.
Editor: Thank you, Naseeruddin, for sharing your insights today. It’s a challenging time for many, and your perspective as an artist is invaluable.
Naseeruddin Shah: Thank you for having me.
Mirable. He remained dignified while his family was publicly scrutinized. This incident demonstrated how speaking out or even being associated with dissent can lead to severe backlash. The stakes are incredibly high, and it’s a chilling message for any of us who might dare to oppose.
Editor: You also raised concerns about the rise of ‘fake patriotic’ films in Bollywood. How do you perceive this trend and its impact on the industry and society?
Naseeruddin Shah: The recent surge in nationalist-themed content is quite alarming. Films like ‘The Kashmir Files’ present a distorted reality that serves a specific agenda. It’s important to recognize that while cinema can indeed reflect society, it also has the potential to distort it. The government seemingly endorses these narratives, which could further polarize audiences and diminish the critical voice of cinema.
Editor: You have urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take action against this growing intolerance. What specific steps do you think are necessary?
Naseeruddin Shah: I believe he should actively neutralize and condemn the spread of hatred that rests on discriminatory foundations. As a leader, it is imperative for him to disassociate from those who promote divisive ideologies, especially when those individuals are associated with the ruling party. We need a united front against radicalism, even if it’s under the guise of nationalism.
Editor: as a respected figure in Indian cinema, what message do you wish to convey to both your colleagues and the audience amid this controversy?
Naseeruddin Shah: My message would be about the importance of conscience and courage. Artists are the voice of society, and with that comes the responsibility to stand up for what is right. It is essential to balance commercial success with moral integrity. We owe it to ourselves and future generations to create a culture that values truth over fear.
Editor: Thank you, Naseeruddin, for sharing your insights with us today. Your perspective is incredibly valuable at this time.
Naseeruddin Shah: Thank you for having me.
