Ashutosh, Madhur Bhandarkar & Others Back Naseeruddin’s Remark

Naseeruddin Shah expressed anxiety over the well-being of his children.

After Swara Bhasker and Richa Chadha, actor Ashutosh Rana and director Madhur Bhandarkar have come out in support of actor Naseeruddin Shah whose recent comments on being a minority in India have sparked a debate and elicited flak from various leaders.

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.

Everyone Has a Right to Share Their Thoughts: Ashutosh Rana

Actor Ashutosh Rana on supported his fellow actor by saying that everyone has a right to share their thoughts, ANI reported.

Everyone should have a right to share their thoughts with their friends or other people without any fear. If any of our brothers or friends say something, we should not only listen to them but also ponder over it.

Ashutosh Rana, Actor

Everyone Can Express Their Opinions: Madhur Bhandarkar

Filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar also supported Shah stating that everyone has the right to speak. He said that “I don’t think there is any problem or intolerance,” The Indian Express reported.

Everyone has the right to speak. We live in a democratic country. I don’t think there is any fear. Everyone is equal in India and this is his point of view. This is the special thing about our country that everyone can express their opinions.

Madhur Bhandarkar, Director

Swara Bhaskar, Richa Chadha Tweet in Support

Swara Bhasker and Richa Chadha took to Twitter to back Shah’s statements.

“Hamara ghar hai, kaun Nikaal sakta hai hamey yahaan sey!!!!” More power to you #NaseeruddinShah sir ❣️ https://t.co/fmsG52PIE4

— Swara Bhasker (@ReallySwara) December 20, 2018

So we start the fire, but one of the world's finest actors need to douse it? Even if they're on fire? Why? Such a symptomatic approach... Sad. Do you want to script what he should say? As one the of world's finest actors, you'll want him to do a good job here as well right? https://t.co/Nx6IQi2Vww

— TheRichaChadha (@RichaChadha) December 21, 2018

What an utter shame, what a tragedy. One of India's finest actors, the generation-defining star who gave voice to meaningful new cinema, cries out that his children may no longer be safe in his country. #NaseeruddinShah Cry, the beloved country https://t.co/nNVj2bV4d6

— Sagarika Ghose (@sagarikaghose) December 20, 2018

Shah’s fear for his children's safety is reminiscent of Aamir Khan's comments on intolerance in 2015 that had sparked a major controversy.

(With inputs from ANI and The Indian Express)