Naseeruddin Shah Criticizes Modi Government: “I Never Praised Those Who Call Themselves ‘Vishwaguru’ – Their Arrogance Bothers Me”

Veteran Bollywood actor Naseeruddin Shah has once again made headlines with his candid remarks. In a recent op-ed for Indian Express, the 75-year-old actor openly criticized the ruling Modi government, sharing his frustration over being disinvited from a Mumbai University event at the last minute.

The Incident at Mumbai University

Shah was initially invited to the “Jashn-e-Urdu” event organized by Mumbai University but was informed a day prior that his presence was no longer required. Expressing his disappointment, Shah wrote that he had eagerly anticipated the event as he enjoys engaging with students. “Over the past 40 years, some of my most rewarding and educational experiences have been with students across various institutes. Teaching them, especially those hesitant to learn, has helped me grow in patience and understanding,” he wrote.

Calling Out the Disrespect

Shah described the university’s actions as “humiliating,” noting that he was informed without any explanation or apology. “To add insult to injury, the university told the audience that I had declined to attend. It was an unnecessary and disrespectful gesture,” he wrote.

Criticism of the Government

Shah clarified that his criticism is directed at the ruling government, not the country. “I have never praised those who call themselves ‘Vishwaguru.’ Their arrogance bothers me, and in the past decade, I have not been impressed by their work. I will continue to critique the actions of the government, while voicing concern over the decline of civic sense and tolerance in society,” he said.

Challenging University Claims

He also questioned claims that he had publicly spoken against the nation. “A senior university official allegedly said that I make statements against the country. I challenge them to show even a single instance where I have criticized India,” Shah wrote.

Concerns About Rising Intolerance

Shah highlighted several issues troubling him, including prolonged detention of student activists without trial, leniency toward serious offenders, politically motivated violence in the name of cow protection, changes in history textbooks, and statements targeting minorities. “The fleeting hatred of two minutes has now become 24-hour hatred. Not praising a ‘great leader’ is increasingly treated as treason,” he wrote.

References to George Orwell’s 1984

Citing George Orwell’s 1984, Shah warned against the rise of a “thought police” culture and constant surveillance, where dissent is equated with treason. “We are living in a time where disagreement is dangerous, and arbitrary labeling of dissenters as traitors is becoming normalized,” he added.

Naseeruddin Shah, a recipient of Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan, used the article to voice his deep concerns about the current political climate, stressing the importance of tolerance, freedom of expression, and respect for differing opinions.