He Doesn’t Talk Reasonably: Naseeruddin Shah on Anupam Kher

Anupam Kher has slammed Naseeruddin Shah’s comment on the insecurity of being a minority in India.

In an apparent reference to Bulandshahr mob violence, actor Naseeruddin Shah said that in many places the death of a cow is being given more importance than the killing of a policeman.

The veteran actor also expressed anxiety over the well-being of his children, who, he said, have not been brought up as followers of any particular religion. While Richa Chadha and Swara Bhasker backed the actor, Anupam Kher slammed the comment.

In an interview with India Today, when asked whether he was open to holding a dialogue with Anupam, Naseeruddin responded,

Not really, because he doesn’t talk reasonably.

Naseeruddin Shah, Actor

Reacting to Naseeruddin’s comments on the Bulandshahr mob violence Anupam had earlier told ANI,

There’s 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 said what he felt like, it doesn’t mean it’s the truth.

Anupam Kher, Actor

Naseeruddin in turn has said that he sees “no connection” between his comments and Anupam’s about pelting stones and abusing the army. He went on to clarify that he regards the Indian Army with pride.

“I think [it[ is so infantile that I don’t even need to react to that. I don’t see what connection it has to what I said. I can say with pride that I have a brother who served with distinction in the Indian Army,” Shah said. “I have the highest regard for the Indian Army and what they have achieved. I have the highest regard for the police forces. I have a cousin who has also served in the Army. I have two uncles who served in the police. So I really don’t know what Anupam Kher is talking about,” he added.

Naseeruddin Shah

According to the publication, Anupam Kher has decided not to pursue the matter further. “That’s his interpretation and I love him for that. I love him and he is a very respectable actor and my senior,” he said.

“If I have to say anything I will call him, or I will go to his place and say, 'Aao jhagda kar lete hai ya gale mil lete hain'. I won't talk to the press about this,” he concluded.

(With inputs from India Today)