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Anupam Kher to Naseeruddin Shah: How much more freedom do you need?
Kher went on to say that Shah expressed what he felt but that does not mean it is the truth
Mumbai: The controversy surrounding veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah’s remark “I fear for my children” is simply refusing to die. After his comment on mob violence stoked a controversy, popular actor Anupam Kher took on Shah saying that there is enough freedom in the country.
“There is so much freedom in the country that you can abuse the army, badmouth the air chief and pelt stones at the soldiers. How much more freedom do you need in a country?” he asked.
Kher went on to say that Shah expressed what he felt but that does not mean it is the truth.
Naseeruddin Shah, 68, on Thursday (December 20) said he feared for his children in India of today and criticised incidents of mob violence in the country. He was referring to the recent Bulandshahr violence that claimed the life of a police officer.
“My children will have no answer,” Naseeruddin Shah said, adding that he chose not to give religious education to children.
Shah’s comment soon led to a full-blown controversy with many leaders and citizens on Twitter criticizing the actor, who is known for his roles in Sparsh, Paar, Masoom and movies like Iqbal. Naseeruddin Shah and Anupam Kher also starred in A Wednesday, film by Neeraj Pandey.
“How does concern for country make me a traitor?” Shah said reacting to the criticism that came to him from various corners.
Many accused the actor of being a traitor and a mob had even descended on the site of the Ajmer Literature Festival, where Shah was supposed to be a guest. However, the event had to be cancelled due to protests against the actor by Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha and other right-wing associations.
Rajya Sabha MP Rakesh Sinha said, “Naseeruddin Shah should first ask Rohingya to leave Hindustan as according to him India is unsafe for him and his family. An artist should not be part of a sinister design of anti-civil society propaganda. His statement shows his low thinking.”
Uttar Pradesh Navnirman Sena party Chief Amit Jani claimed that the party had booked a flight ticket to Pakistan dated 14 August (Pakistan Independence Day) for the actor.
The Vishwa Hindu Parishad went on to the extent of calling Shah a paid actor. In a statement, the right-wing organisation said, It is Shah’s profession to take the money and act. His comments on the Bulandshahr incident seem similarly motivated.
On the other hand, many have come out in support of the actor. Lt Gen Zameer Uddin Shah, former V-C, AMU and brother of Naseeruddin Shah said, “I entirely agree with what my brother says. But, I am not afraid. I am disgusted by seeing what is happening in the country.”
“This is not fearmongering at all. This is dissidence expression of one’s view and this is not disloyalty,” he added.
