In an exclusive interview with an Indian news publication, esteemed Bollywood actor Naseeruddin Shah expressed his strong condemnation of the Indian government for its alleged propagation of Islamophobia as a means to garner political support. Shah, widely recognized for his vocal criticism of the ruling party, voiced his concerns over the government’s manipulation of public sentiment against Muslims.
Shah pointed out the disturbing trend of Islamophobia evident in contemporary films, arguing that it mirrors the prevailing reality in the country. He stated, “These are troubling times indeed. The unabashed promotion of propaganda in films reflects the spirit of the times, where hatred towards Muslims is shamelessly embraced.”
The veteran actor further remarked that Islamophobia has become fashionable, even among the educated population, attributing this trend to the ruling party’s calculated exploitation of religious divisions. He questioned the need to introduce religion into every aspect of society when secularism and democracy should be upheld.
Additionally, Shah criticized the Election Commission of India for its alleged inaction in response to politicians’ manipulative tactics to secure votes. He expressed disappointment, saying, “Our election commission lacks a backbone, remaining silent in the face of such tactics. If a Muslim leader had made similar remarks, it would have caused a major uproar. However, when our Prime Minister makes such statements, he faces no consequences. While I maintain hope that this situation will improve, it is currently at its peak. The government has cleverly played its cards, and its strategy has been successful. Only time will reveal how long this tactic continues to be effective,” noted the ‘Gehraiyaan’ actor.
Meanwhile, Naseeruddin Shah recently appeared in the web series ‘Taj: Divided by Blood,’ alongside Dharmendra, Aashim Gulati, Sandhya Mridul, and Aditi Rao Hydari, showcasing his talent and versatility on the screen.
