Naseeruddin Shah recently spoke up and took a stance against ‘sections of Indian Muslims celebrating the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan’. Soon after, he faced criticism for doing so.
He has now said that a few big Indian filmmakers and actors are being “encouraged” to make “pro-establishment” films. The actor feels that this gains public attention. While talking to NDTV, Naseeruddin Shah said, “They are being encouraged by the government to make pro-government films, to make films lauding the efforts of our beloved leader. They are also being financed, also promised a clean chit if they make movies that are propaganda, to put it bluntly. The kind of big-budget films that are coming. The big ones – cannot disguise the jingoistic agenda.”
Naseeruddin Shah said, “They (the Khans) are worried because of the harassment they will be subjected to. They have so much to lose. It will not be just financial harassment, it is not about losing an endorsement or two. It’s a question of their entire establishments getting harassed.” He pointed out that anyone who dares to speak out will have to face harassment, “It is not just Javed Saab or me, it is anyone who speaks out against this right wing mentality and it is growing on both sides.”
This is why he feels that harassment leads to the silence of major actors.
