Veteran Hindi cinema actor Naseeruddin Shah has found himself at the center of an intense political controversy following his latest public remarks. In a recently released video, the actor stated that he felt proud to describe himself as a mind Naxal, while simultaneously directing sharp criticism and issuing warnings toward the government. His statements have drawn widespread condemnation from leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party as well as prominent members of the film fraternity.
Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane Criticises Actor
Reacting strongly to the actor's comments, Maharashtra Cabinet Minister Nitesh Rane advised Naseeruddin Shah to pack his bags and relocate to Pakistan. The minister alleged that certain public figures earn their livelihoods in a Hindu nation while remaining ideologically aligned with Pakistan, claiming that handlers across the border supply scripts to such individuals. He pointed out that the actor established his career and earned recognition through Indian audiences, noting that his films found success here rather than across the border.
Nitesh Rane further asserted that anyone holding such deep resentment toward the nation while taking pride in an extremist mindset would find plenty of like-minded elements across the border. He maintained that the actor's standing in public life exists entirely because of the opportunities and acceptance provided by the country and its people.
Reactions from Union Minister Kiren Rijiju and Puneet Issar
Joining the criticism, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju shared his perspective on social media platform X, describing Naseeruddin Shah as extremely harmful to the democratic framework. The minister mentioned that while he had long respected and admired the actor for his cinematic work, he considered the actor's ideological positioning to be that of a dangerous urban Naxal.
Actor Puneet Issar also weighed in on the contentious statement, stating that while he maintains professional respect for his senior colleague, the views being expressed appear one-sided, leftist, and supportive of Naxalism. Issar remarked that if any individual is fundamentally dissatisfied with the elected government in power, the appropriate constitutional path is to enter active politics and contest democratic elections directly.
