<p>Veteran Indian actor Naseeruddin Shah has called out those in India who have been celebrating the Taliban's return in Afghanistan.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
In a video, that has now been shared widely on social media, Shah stated that the Taliban's return to Afghanistan is rather dangerous and drew distinctions between 'Hindustani Islam' and how it is practiced in other parts of the world.&nbsp;<br />
"Even as the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan is a cause for concern for the whole world, celebrations of the barbarians by some sections of Indian Muslims is no less dangerous,” Naseeruddin Shah said in Hindi in the video.<br />
<br />
He stated that those who were celebrating needed the question themselves on whether they wanted a reformed, modern Islam or live the old, barbaric way that took everyone back a few centuries.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Shah termed Indian Muslims as those following 'Hindustani Islam' which is starkly different from what is practiced in the rest of the world.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Absolutely! 💯<br />
Taliban is a curse! <a href="https://t.co/Bs6xzbNZW8">pic.twitter.com/Bs6xzbNZW8</a></p>
— Sayema (@_sayema) <a href="https://twitter.com/_sayema/status/1433104998347333638?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 1, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>He added, "May God not bring a time when it changes so much that we cannot even recognise it." Calling himself an Indian Muslim, he stated his own personal relationship with God had no space for political agenda. "I am an Indian Muslim and as Mirza Ghalib said years ago, my relationship with God is informal. I don’t need political religion," he said.</p>

<p><br />
The video comes after the Taliban's accession to power in Afghanistan on August 15 after taking over government forces across the country amid the US withdrawal of its army from the country.</p>


Veteran Indian actor Naseeruddin Shah has called out those in India who have been celebrating the Taliban's return in Afghanistan. In a video, that has now been shared widely on social media, Shah stated that the Taliban's return to Afghanistan is rather dangerous and drew distinctions between 'Hindustani Islam' and how it is practiced in other parts of the world.

Veteran Indian actor Naseeruddin Shah has called out those in India who have been celebrating the Taliban's return in Afghanistan. In a video, that has now been shared widely on social media, Shah stated that the Taliban's return to Afghanistan is rather dangerous and drew distinctions between 'Hindustani Islam' and how it is practiced in other parts of the world. "Even as the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan is a cause for concern for the whole world, celebrations of the barbarians by some sections of Indian Muslims is no less dangerous,” Naseeruddin Shah said in Hindi in the video. He stated that those who were celebrating needed the question themselves on whether they wanted a reformed, modern Islam or live the old, barbaric way that took everyone back a few centuries. Shah termed Indian Muslims as those following 'Hindustani Islam' which is starkly different from what is practiced in the rest of the world. Absolutely! 💯 Taliban is a curse! pic.twitter.com/Bs6xzbNZW8 — Sayema (@_sayema) September 1, 2021 × He added, "May God not bring a time when it changes so much that we cannot even recognise it." Calling himself an Indian Muslim, he stated his own personal relationship with God had no space for political agenda. "I am an Indian Muslim and as Mirza Ghalib said years ago, my relationship with God is informal. I don’t need political religion," he said. The video comes after the Taliban's accession to power in Afghanistan on August 15 after taking over government forces across the country amid the US withdrawal of its army from the country.

Watch: Naseeruddin Shah has a message for Indian Muslims who are 'celebrating Taliban's return'

<p>Bolywood actor Naseeruddin Shah, who has courted controversy after writing an op-ed on legendary actor Dilip Kumar after his demise, has now rendered a justification to an entertainment website. &nbsp;</p>

<p><br />
He was quoted as saying, “Those who decided to take offence at what I said about Dilip Saab should have read the entire article and they would have realised that my praise, though conditional, for his acting chops was nothing less than glowing. I practically ran out of superlatives when describing his acting abilities. My 'complaint' had nothing to do with that at all. However, the reaction of people who choose to see meanings where there are none doesn't bother me... I said what I had to say, and if I hadn't meant it I wouldn't have said it.”</p>

<p><br />
He also said that there has never been any feud between him and Dilip Saab (as he was fondly called) and that it was all media’s doing. "The supposed problems we had during the making of a film which I'd rather forget was all the invention of the media and some vested interests who made our working together sound like some sort of acting duel that was to take place, when considering the nature of our respective roles. I actually didn't stand a chance. All this fanned the non-existent flames when the fact was we hardly even met including in the scenes we had together. I don’t consider acting to be a contest or a game of one-upmanship and I was far from happy with all the talk of Dilip Kumar versus me. I have never denied that it was my childhood dream to act with and not opposite him,” said Shah.&nbsp;<br />
For the uninitiated, Dilip Kumar died in the early hours of July 7 after a prolonged illness at a private hospital in Mumbai.&nbsp;</p>

<p><br />
In the aforementioned op-ed, Shah had said, “Some of those works doubtless will survive the test of time but, given the position he was in, it is more than evident he didn’t do enough apart from acting and being involved in social causes close to his heart. He produced only one film, didn’t direct any (officially at least), never passed on the benefit of his experience, didn’t bother to groom anyone, and apart from his pre-1970s performances, left behind no significant lessons for future actors; even his autobiography is but a rehash of old interviews.”</p>

<p><br />
“…It’s baffling why a man as conscious of his place in history as he was should be reluctant to record his interaction with some of the admittedly great filmmakers of his time or say anything really informative about the nature of his work and technique. I wish, at some point, he had at least been forthright about the travails involved in retaining legions of devoted fans,” he had added.&nbsp;</p>


Bolywood actor Naseeruddin Shah, who has courted controversy after writing an op-ed on legendary actor Dilip Kumar after his demise, has now rendered a justification to an entertainment website.

Bolywood actor Naseeruddin Shah, who has courted controversy after writing an op-ed on legendary actor Dilip Kumar after his demise, has now rendered a justification to an entertainment website. He was quoted as saying, “Those who decided to take offence at what I said about Dilip Saab should have read the entire article and they would have realised that my praise, though conditional, for his acting chops was nothing less than glowing. I practically ran out of superlatives when describing his acting abilities. My 'complaint' had nothing to do with that at all. However, the reaction of people who choose to see meanings where there are none doesn't bother me... I said what I had to say, and if I hadn't meant it I wouldn't have said it.” He also said that there has never been any feud between him and Dilip Saab (as he was fondly called) and that it was all media’s doing. "The supposed problems we had during the making of a film which I'd rather forget was all the invention of the media and some vested interests who made our working together sound like some sort of acting duel that was to take place, when considering the nature of our respective roles. I actually didn't stand a chance. All this fanned the non-existent flames when the fact was we hardly even met including in the scenes we had together. I don’t consider acting to be a contest or a game of one-upmanship and I was far from happy with all the talk of Dilip Kumar versus me. I have never denied that it was my childhood dream to act with and not opposite him,” said Shah. For the uninitiated, Dilip Kumar died in the early hours of July 7 after a prolonged illness at a private hospital in Mumbai. In the aforementioned op-ed, Shah had said, “Some of those works doubtless will survive the test of time but, given the position he was in, it is more than evident he didn’t do enough apart from acting and being involved in social causes close to his heart. He produced only one film, didn’t direct any (officially at least), never passed on the benefit of his experience, didn’t bother to groom anyone, and apart from his pre-1970s performances, left behind no significant lessons for future actors; even his autobiography is but a rehash of old interviews.” “…It’s baffling why a man as conscious of his place in history as he was should be reluctant to record his interaction with some of the admittedly great filmmakers of his time or say anything really informative about the nature of his work and technique. I wish, at some point, he had at least been forthright about the travails involved in retaining legions of devoted fans,” he had added.

Naseeruddin Shah on Dilip Kumar op-ed courting controversy: ‘Doesn’t bother me’

<p>Although Bollywood actor Naseeruddin Shah is well-aware of late Dilip Kumar’s obvious greatness and thanked him for all the ‘magic’ as an actor, he wondered why the deceased actor chose to play safe despite being a star and never go beyond acting.&nbsp;</p>

<p><br />
Calling him ‘immaculate’ at his craft, Shah, in an opinion-editorial piece for an Indian newspaper, said that the much-celebrated actor did not pass on his vast knowledge based on experience to anyone or groom the next generation of actors. “Some of those works doubtless will survive the test of time but, given the position he was in, it is more than evident he didn’t do enough apart from acting and being involved in social causes close to his heart. He produced only one film, didn’t direct any (officially at least), never passed on the benefit of his experience, didn’t bother to groom anyone, and apart from his pre-1970s performances, left behind no significant lessons for future actors; even his autobiography is but a rehash of old interviews,” Shah wrote.</p>

<p><br />
“…It’s baffling why a man as conscious of his place in history as he was should be reluctant to record his interaction with some of the admittedly great filmmakers of his time or say anything really informative about the nature of his work and technique. I wish, at some point, he had at least been forthright about the travails involved in retaining legions of devoted fans,” added the actor and theatre personality.&nbsp;<br />
In the same piece, Shah praised Dilip Saab—as the latter is fondly remembered—for his ‘consummate characterisations, the dignified deportment, the mellifluous diction, the controlled but roiling emotionality’ in films.&nbsp;</p>

<p><br />
“The holy grail of acting that he is in commercial Hindi cinema, his achievements supposedly unsurpassable, I trust that, now that all the tributes have been paid, I will not be putting my foot in my mouth if I talk not only of the undoubted greatness of some of his performances but raise a question – perhaps, provoke a debate — on whether his example as a star was worthy of emulation and whether he helped push the envelope toward progress or whether he facilitated the downward spiral of popular Hindi cinema into the total star-centricity in which it wallows today,” said about Dilip Kumar supposedly starting the ‘star-centric- culture in Indian cinema.&nbsp;</p>

<p><br />
In 2016, after Bollywood actor Rajesh Khanna’s death—another superstar— Naseeruddin Shah had landed in trouble for calling Khanna a ‘limited, a poor actor’. He later apologized for his ‘uncalled for’ comments to his fans and family.&nbsp;</p>


Although Bollywood actor Naseeruddin Shah is well-aware of late Dilip Kumar’s obvious greatness and thanked him for all the ‘magic’ as an actor, he wondered why the deceased actor chose to play safe despite being a star and never go beyond acting.

Although Bollywood actor Naseeruddin Shah is well-aware of late Dilip Kumar’s obvious greatness and thanked him for all the ‘magic’ as an actor, he wondered why the deceased actor chose to play safe despite being a star and never go beyond acting. Calling him ‘immaculate’ at his craft, Shah, in an opinion-editorial piece for an Indian newspaper, said that the much-celebrated actor did not pass on his vast knowledge based on experience to anyone or groom the next generation of actors. “Some of those works doubtless will survive the test of time but, given the position he was in, it is more than evident he didn’t do enough apart from acting and being involved in social causes close to his heart. He produced only one film, didn’t direct any (officially at least), never passed on the benefit of his experience, didn’t bother to groom anyone, and apart from his pre-1970s performances, left behind no significant lessons for future actors; even his autobiography is but a rehash of old interviews,” Shah wrote. “…It’s baffling why a man as conscious of his place in history as he was should be reluctant to record his interaction with some of the admittedly great filmmakers of his time or say anything really informative about the nature of his work and technique. I wish, at some point, he had at least been forthright about the travails involved in retaining legions of devoted fans,” added the actor and theatre personality. In the same piece, Shah praised Dilip Saab—as the latter is fondly remembered—for his ‘consummate characterisations, the dignified deportment, the mellifluous diction, the controlled but roiling emotionality’ in films. “The holy grail of acting that he is in commercial Hindi cinema, his achievements supposedly unsurpassable, I trust that, now that all the tributes have been paid, I will not be putting my foot in my mouth if I talk not only of the undoubted greatness of some of his performances but raise a question – perhaps, provoke a debate — on whether his example as a star was worthy of emulation and whether he helped push the envelope toward progress or whether he facilitated the downward spiral of popular Hindi cinema into the total star-centricity in which it wallows today,” said about Dilip Kumar supposedly starting the ‘star-centric- culture in Indian cinema. In 2016, after Bollywood actor Rajesh Khanna’s death—another superstar— Naseeruddin Shah had landed in trouble for calling Khanna a ‘limited, a poor actor’. He later apologized for his ‘uncalled for’ comments to his fans and family.

Naseeruddin Shah: ‘Dilip Kumar never passed on his experience or groom anyone; didn’t do enough other than acting’

<p>On Friday, veteran Bollywood actor and theatre personality Naseeruddin Shah talked about his memories and experiences with late actor Dillip Kumar who passed away in the early hours of July 7 after prolonged illness. Shah, during his documented chat with a Bollywood reporter and film critic, spoke at length about Dilip Saab, among other things. &nbsp;</p>

<p><br />
Shah spoke about his fascination with western movies and recalled how watching Dilip Saab’s movies made him realize he was always ahead of his time. “My father was the Deputy Collector at Nainital when we were small, he was posted there. He never saw Hindi movies. He never allowed us to see Hindi movies, except for Mr Dilip Kumar’s movies. I think he had a secret, deep admiration for him. So, I remember seeing films like ‘Uran Khatola’, ‘Azaad’, ‘Kohinoor’ and ‘Insaniyat’ when I was a child.”</p>

<p><br />
During that interview, he also talked about how he had slept in a zari factory as a young boy and his family had no idea where he was. It was Dilip Kumar who had kept him at his home for a week before sending him home. “I didn’t give a thought to what my parents were going through. I never wrote them a letter. They had no idea where I was. They didn’t even know if I was alive… Finally, they got in touch with, as luck would have it, Mr Dilip Kumar, who my father happened to know through his eldest sister, Sakina Aapa, who used to come to Ajmer, where my father was the administrator of Dargah Garib Nawaz. They found me sitting on the pavement and packed me off home, but not before I spent a week or so at Mr Dilip Kumar's house,” Shah shared.&nbsp;</p>

<p><br />
When a young Shah told Dilip Kumar he wanted to be an actor, he advised him against it. “I think you should go back and study. People from good families should not try to become actors.” &nbsp;</p>

<p><br />
Remembering that chat with Dilip Kumar, Shah shared that he was in ‘too awe’ of him and couldn’t ask Kumar as to how did he become an actor in the first place. “Dilip Saab was something else… I didn’t have the courage, I was too awed by him, like every other actor in India. He was above all.”&nbsp;</p>

<p><br />
Coincidentally, last week, Shah was admitted to the same hospital as Dilip Kumar on suspicion of contracting pneumonia. He was touched when Saira Banu came to check on him. “She put her hand on my head and blessed me and said — Sahab was asking about you. I was deeply moved. I wanted to meet him before I left. But unfortunately, the day I left, he also left,” he told.&nbsp;</p>

<p><br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>


On Friday, veteran Bollywood actor and theatre personality Naseeruddin Shah talked about his memories and experiences with late actor Dillip Kumar who passed away in the early hours of July 7 after prolonged illness.

On Friday, veteran Bollywood actor and theatre personality Naseeruddin Shah talked about his memories and experiences with late actor Dillip Kumar who passed away in the early hours of July 7 after prolonged illness. Shah, during his documented chat with a Bollywood reporter and film critic, spoke at length about Dilip Saab, among other things. Shah spoke about his fascination with western movies and recalled how watching Dilip Saab’s movies made him realize he was always ahead of his time. “My father was the Deputy Collector at Nainital when we were small, he was posted there. He never saw Hindi movies. He never allowed us to see Hindi movies, except for Mr Dilip Kumar’s movies. I think he had a secret, deep admiration for him. So, I remember seeing films like ‘Uran Khatola’, ‘Azaad’, ‘Kohinoor’ and ‘Insaniyat’ when I was a child.” During that interview, he also talked about how he had slept in a zari factory as a young boy and his family had no idea where he was. It was Dilip Kumar who had kept him at his home for a week before sending him home. “I didn’t give a thought to what my parents were going through. I never wrote them a letter. They had no idea where I was. They didn’t even know if I was alive… Finally, they got in touch with, as luck would have it, Mr Dilip Kumar, who my father happened to know through his eldest sister, Sakina Aapa, who used to come to Ajmer, where my father was the administrator of Dargah Garib Nawaz. They found me sitting on the pavement and packed me off home, but not before I spent a week or so at Mr Dilip Kumar's house,” Shah shared. When a young Shah told Dilip Kumar he wanted to be an actor, he advised him against it. “I think you should go back and study. People from good families should not try to become actors.” Remembering that chat with Dilip Kumar, Shah shared that he was in ‘too awe’ of him and couldn’t ask Kumar as to how did he become an actor in the first place. “Dilip Saab was something else… I didn’t have the courage, I was too awed by him, like every other actor in India. He was above all.” Coincidentally, last week, Shah was admitted to the same hospital as Dilip Kumar on suspicion of contracting pneumonia. He was touched when Saira Banu came to check on him. “She put her hand on my head and blessed me and said — Sahab was asking about you. I was deeply moved. I wanted to meet him before I left. But unfortunately, the day I left, he also left,” he told.

Dilip Kumar asked Naseeruddin Shah not to pursue acting, said ‘people from good families should not try to become actors’

<p>Veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah was discharged on Wednesday morning from the hospital where he underwent treatment for pneumonia.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Shah's son, actor Vivaan Shah, took to Instagram to post photos of the actor and his wife Ratna Pathak Shah and informed his followers he was back home.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
"Back home," he captained the photo along with a heart and folded hands emoji.<br />
<br />
Giving an update on his health, Vivaan&nbsp;wrote, "He just got discharged today morning."<br />
<br />
The 70-year-old actor was reportedly admitted to the Khar-based P D Hinduja Hospital and Medical Research Centre, a non-COVID-19 facility, last Tuesday. He underwent treatment for a small patch that his doctors had detected in his chest.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, on the work front, the National Award-winning actor was last seen in the film `Mee Raqsam`.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
He was also a part of the hit web series `Bandish Bandits`, where he played the role of a classical musician.<br />
<br />
Movie buffs will now get to see him sharing screen space with actor Rasika Duggal in a short film.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah was discharged on Wednesday morning from the hospital where he underwent treatment for pneumonia. Shah's son, actor Vivaan Shah, took to Instagram to post photos of the actor and his wife Ratna Pathak Shah and informed his followers he was back home.

Veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah was discharged on Wednesday morning from the hospital where he underwent treatment for pneumonia. Shah's son, actor Vivaan Shah, took to Instagram to post photos of the actor and his wife Ratna Pathak Shah and informed his followers he was back home. "Back home," he captained the photo along with a heart and folded hands emoji. Giving an update on his health, Vivaan wrote, "He just got discharged today morning." The 70-year-old actor was reportedly admitted to the Khar-based P D Hinduja Hospital and Medical Research Centre, a non-COVID-19 facility, last Tuesday. He underwent treatment for a small patch that his doctors had detected in his chest. Meanwhile, on the work front, the National Award-winning actor was last seen in the film `Mee Raqsam`. He was also a part of the hit web series `Bandish Bandits`, where he played the role of a classical musician. Movie buffs will now get to see him sharing screen space with actor Rasika Duggal in a short film.

Actor Naseeruddin Shah discharged from hospital; 'Back home',  says son Vivaan

<p>Veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah, who has been admitted in at Mumbai's Hinduja Hospital, is reportedly doing well. The actor was diagnosed with pneumonia and a patch was detected on his chest for which he is undergoing treatment.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
His secretary on Thursday revealed that he is expected to be discharged on Friday.<br />
<br />
"He is doing well. He might be discharged tomorrow," Naseeruddin Shah's secretary Jairaj told a news agency.<br />
<br />
&nbsp;Shah, an alumnus of the National School of Drama (NSD) and Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), is known for his contribution towards parallel cinema, with films such as 'Nishant', 'Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro', 'Ijaazat', 'Masoom', and 'Mirch Masala'.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
He has also created a space for himself in the commercial cinema with movies such as 'Mohra', 'Sarfarosh', 'Ishqiya', 'The Dirty Picture', and 'Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara', among others.<br />
<br />
The veteran, whose career spans 46 years, is also known for his extensive work in theatre and running the theatre group, Motley Productions.<br />
<br />
Legendary actor Dilip Kumar too has been admitted to the same hospital due to age-related medical issues.&nbsp;</p>


Veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah, who has been admitted in at Mumbai's Hinduja Hospital, is reportedly doing well. The actor was diagnosed with pneumonia and a patch was detected on his chest for which he is undergoing treatment.

Veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah, who has been admitted in at Mumbai's Hinduja Hospital, is reportedly doing well. The actor was diagnosed with pneumonia and a patch was detected on his chest for which he is undergoing treatment. His secretary on Thursday revealed that he is expected to be discharged on Friday. "He is doing well. He might be discharged tomorrow," Naseeruddin Shah's secretary Jairaj told a news agency. Shah, an alumnus of the National School of Drama (NSD) and Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), is known for his contribution towards parallel cinema, with films such as 'Nishant', 'Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro', 'Ijaazat', 'Masoom', and 'Mirch Masala'. He has also created a space for himself in the commercial cinema with movies such as 'Mohra', 'Sarfarosh', 'Ishqiya', 'The Dirty Picture', and 'Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara', among others. The veteran, whose career spans 46 years, is also known for his extensive work in theatre and running the theatre group, Motley Productions. Legendary actor Dilip Kumar too has been admitted to the same hospital due to age-related medical issues.

Naseeruddin Shah doing well, likely to be discharged soon, confirms his secretary

<p>Veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah has been hospitalised in Mumbai. The 70-year-old actor has reportedly been&nbsp;diagnosed with pneumonia and doctors have detected a patch in his lungs. He was wheeled in to a hospital in Mumbai a few days ago and currently undergoing treatment.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
News of Shah's ill health has surfaced previously online on several occasions but all have turned out to be fake. This time around the news was confirmed by his manager.<br />
<br />
"He has been in the hospital for two days. He`s under medical supervision. He was brought in for Pneumonia. There was a patch found in his lungs and it became necessary for him to be hospitalised immediately," the actor`s manger told Bombay Times.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Shah is considered a stalwart in Hindi cinema and was one of the main faces of New Wave in Indian cinema in the 1970s-1980s. He has also featured in a few Hollywood projects and is also considered a veteran in the theatre circle.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
On the work front, Naseeruddin Shah will next be seen in the upcoming film 'Maarrich'.<br />
<br />
Shah will also feature alongside Rasika Dugal in the upcoming film 'The Miniaturist Of Junagadh'.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah has been hospitalised in Mumbai. The 70-year-old actor has reportedly been diagnosed with pneumonia and doctors have detected a patch in his lungs.

Veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah has been hospitalised in Mumbai. The 70-year-old actor has reportedly been diagnosed with pneumonia and doctors have detected a patch in his lungs. He was wheeled in to a hospital in Mumbai a few days ago and currently undergoing treatment. News of Shah's ill health has surfaced previously online on several occasions but all have turned out to be fake. This time around the news was confirmed by his manager. "He has been in the hospital for two days. He`s under medical supervision. He was brought in for Pneumonia. There was a patch found in his lungs and it became necessary for him to be hospitalised immediately," the actor`s manger told Bombay Times. Shah is considered a stalwart in Hindi cinema and was one of the main faces of New Wave in Indian cinema in the 1970s-1980s. He has also featured in a few Hollywood projects and is also considered a veteran in the theatre circle. On the work front, Naseeruddin Shah will next be seen in the upcoming film 'Maarrich'. Shah will also feature alongside Rasika Dugal in the upcoming film 'The Miniaturist Of Junagadh'.

Veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah hospitalised in Mumbai 

<p>Bollywood names Kangana Ranaut and Naseeruddin Shah have been trending on Twitter ever since the latter spoke on the matter of Sushant Singh Rajput’s death, calling the sensationalisation “sickening”.</p>

<p>In a conversation with India Today, Naseeruddin spoke on the politics involved with the same and also pointed out that this was being used for personal gains of some people. He said, "No one is interested in the opinions of some half-educated starlet who decides to take it upon herself to you know, get justice for Sushant. If there is justice that needs to be done, I think we need to have faith in the process of the law and if it is none of our business I think we should we should not concern ourselves with it."</p>

<p>This statement did not go down well with Kangana Ranaut who has been an active voice demanding CBI probe into the death of Sushant Singh Rajput who was found dead in his Mumbai home.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Responding to this, Kangana took to Twitter and wrote, "Thank you Naseer ji, you weighed all my awards and achievements which non of my contemporaries have on the scale of nepotism, I am used to this but would you say this to me if I were Parkash Padukone/Anil Kapoor’s daughter?"</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Thank you Naseer ji, you weighed all my awards and achievements which non of my contemporaries have on the scale of nepotism,I am used to this but would you say this to me if I were Parkash Padukone/Anil Kapoor’s daughter ? 🙂 <a href="https://t.co/yA59q7Lwbf">https://t.co/yA59q7Lwbf</a></p>
— Kangana Ranaut (@KanganaTeam) <a href="https://twitter.com/KanganaTeam/status/1295643954004684800?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 18, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>She added, "Naseer ji is a great artist, itne mahan kalakar ki toh gaaliyaan bhi bhagwan ke parshad ki tareh hain,I rather watch amazing conversation we had about cinema and our craft last year and you told me how much you appreciate me...."</p>

<p>Kangana has been raising the issue of nepotism since a long time. She has called out the fraternity for their favouritism.&nbsp;</p>


Bollywood names Kangana Ranaut and Naseeruddin Shah have been trending on Twitter ever since the latter spoke on the matter of Sushant Singh Rajput’s death, calling the sensationalisation “sickening”.

Bollywood names Kangana Ranaut and Naseeruddin Shah have been trending on Twitter ever since the latter spoke on the matter of Sushant Singh Rajput’s death, calling the sensationalisation “sickening”. In a conversation with India Today, Naseeruddin spoke on the politics involved with the same and also pointed out that this was being used for personal gains of some people. He said, "No one is interested in the opinions of some half-educated starlet who decides to take it upon herself to you know, get justice for Sushant. If there is justice that needs to be done, I think we need to have faith in the process of the law and if it is none of our business I think we should we should not concern ourselves with it." This statement did not go down well with Kangana Ranaut who has been an active voice demanding CBI probe into the death of Sushant Singh Rajput who was found dead in his Mumbai home. Responding to this, Kangana took to Twitter and wrote, "Thank you Naseer ji, you weighed all my awards and achievements which non of my contemporaries have on the scale of nepotism, I am used to this but would you say this to me if I were Parkash Padukone/Anil Kapoor’s daughter?" Thank you Naseer ji, you weighed all my awards and achievements which non of my contemporaries have on the scale of nepotism,I am used to this but would you say this to me if I were Parkash Padukone/Anil Kapoor’s daughter ? 🙂 https://t.co/yA59q7Lwbf — Kangana Ranaut (@KanganaTeam) August 18, 2020 × She added, "Naseer ji is a great artist, itne mahan kalakar ki toh gaaliyaan bhi bhagwan ke parshad ki tareh hain,I rather watch amazing conversation we had about cinema and our craft last year and you told me how much you appreciate me...." Kangana has been raising the issue of nepotism since a long time. She has called out the fraternity for their favouritism.

Kangana Ranaut has this to say on Naseeruddin Shah's 'half-educated' comment

<p>Bollywood's two legendary actors Anupam Kher and Naseeruddin Shah are at loggerheads. On Wednesday, Kher posted a video on Twitter reacting to Naseeruddin Shah's comment on him.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Shah, in an interview to news publication The Wire, had called Kher a 'clown' and someone who should not be taken seriously and that Kher was of "sycophantic nature".&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Reacting strongly to Shah, Kher lashed out his 'A Wednesday' co-star in the video and said that how the former had spent his entire life in frustration despite a successful career.<br />
<br />
Kher took to Twitter and shared a video of him where he launches a scathing attack against the veteran actor, whom he said had criticised other actors too in the past but was not taken seriously because of the "substances" Shah had been consuming for years that prevented him from distinguishing right from wrong.<br />
<br />
He captioned the post as, "My deep love-filled message for Janaab Naseeruddin Shah. He is elder to me in age as well as in experience. I have always respected his art, but it is very necessary to respond to some statements. This is my response."<br />
<br />
In the video, Kher can be heard saying, "Thank you for the praises but I don`t take you or your statements seriously. You spent your entire life in frustration despite getting so much of success. If you can criticise Dilip Kumar, Amitabh Bachchan, Rajesh Khanna, Shah Rukh Khan, and Virat Kohli, then I am sure I am in great company."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">जनाब नसीरुदिन शाह साब के लिए मेरा प्यार भरा पैग़ाम!!! वो मुझसे बड़े है। उम्र में भी और तजुर्बे में भी। मै हमेशा से उनकी कला की इज़्ज़त करता आया हूँ और करता रहूँगा। पर कभी कभी कुछ बातों का दो टूक जवाब देना बहुत ज़रूरी होता। ये है मेरा जवाब। 🙏 <a href="https://t.co/M4vb8RjGjj">pic.twitter.com/M4vb8RjGjj</a></p>
— Anupam Kher (@AnupamPKher) <a href="https://twitter.com/AnupamPKher/status/1219973369564626946?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>Kher further added, "None of the actors criticised by you took your statements seriously because we all know that it is because of the substances that you have been consuming from years that you are not able to differentiate between what is right and what is wrong."&nbsp;<br />
"If you are able to grab headlines by criticising me then I gift you this happiness. I wish God keeps you happy. And you know what is in my blood? It is Hindustan (India) in my blood," Kher added.</p>


Bollywood's two legendary actors Anupam Kher and Naseeruddin Shah are at loggerheads. On Wednesday, Kher posted a video on Twitter reacting to Naseeruddin Shah's comment on him.

Bollywood's two legendary actors Anupam Kher and Naseeruddin Shah are at loggerheads. On Wednesday, Kher posted a video on Twitter reacting to Naseeruddin Shah's comment on him. Shah, in an interview to news publication The Wire, had called Kher a 'clown' and someone who should not be taken seriously and that Kher was of "sycophantic nature". Reacting strongly to Shah, Kher lashed out his 'A Wednesday' co-star in the video and said that how the former had spent his entire life in frustration despite a successful career. Kher took to Twitter and shared a video of him where he launches a scathing attack against the veteran actor, whom he said had criticised other actors too in the past but was not taken seriously because of the "substances" Shah had been consuming for years that prevented him from distinguishing right from wrong. He captioned the post as, "My deep love-filled message for Janaab Naseeruddin Shah. He is elder to me in age as well as in experience. I have always respected his art, but it is very necessary to respond to some statements. This is my response." In the video, Kher can be heard saying, "Thank you for the praises but I don`t take you or your statements seriously. You spent your entire life in frustration despite getting so much of success. If you can criticise Dilip Kumar, Amitabh Bachchan, Rajesh Khanna, Shah Rukh Khan, and Virat Kohli, then I am sure I am in great company." जनाब नसीरुदिन शाह साब के लिए मेरा प्यार भरा पैग़ाम!!! वो मुझसे बड़े है। उम्र में भी और तजुर्बे में भी। मै हमेशा से उनकी कला की इज़्ज़त करता आया हूँ और करता रहूँगा। पर कभी कभी कुछ बातों का दो टूक जवाब देना बहुत ज़रूरी होता। ये है मेरा जवाब। 🙏 pic.twitter.com/M4vb8RjGjj — Anupam Kher (@AnupamPKher) January 22, 2020 × Kher further added, "None of the actors criticised by you took your statements seriously because we all know that it is because of the substances that you have been consuming from years that you are not able to differentiate between what is right and what is wrong." "If you are able to grab headlines by criticising me then I gift you this happiness. I wish God keeps you happy. And you know what is in my blood? It is Hindustan (India) in my blood," Kher added.

Anupam Kher responds to Naseeruddin Shah calling him a 'clown'

<p>Veteran acting coach Roshan Taneja passed away Friday night after a prolonged illness. He was 87. According to family sources, Taneja passed away at his residence in his sleep, 'peacefully.'&nbsp;He was suffering from pancreatic cancer.</p>

<p>Taneja was the former head of the acting department in the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) Pune. He later started his own 'Roshan Taneja School of Acting'.</p>

<p>He trained actors like Shabana Azmi, Om Puri, Naseeruddin Shah, Ranbir Kapoor, Anil Kapoor, Rakesh Bedi among others.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Azmi took to Twitter to pay homage to her teacher.&nbsp;"Late last night came the sad news that @RoshanTaneja passed away.He was my Guru at FTII and the only person whose feet I touched. I was privileged to be trained in Acting by him. Deepest condolences to Didi and the family. RIP Taneja Sir," she wrote.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Late last night came the sad news that <a href="https://twitter.com/RoshanTaneja?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RoshanTaneja</a> passed away.He was my Guru at FTII and the only person whos feet I touched.I was privileged to be trained in Acting by <a href="https://t.co/TDtYgGxmLh">https://t.co/TDtYgGxmLh</a> deepest condolences to Didi and the family. RIP Taneja Sir</p>
— Azmi Shabana (@AzmiShabana) <a href="https://twitter.com/AzmiShabana/status/1127012545150111745?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 11, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>Bedi also remembered Taneja and said he owed his career to the acting guru.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A very sad day for me. My guru Shri Roshan Taneja expired yesterday. I owe my career to him. RIP <a href="https://t.co/XpdCLpR367">pic.twitter.com/XpdCLpR367</a></p>
— rakesh bedi (@bolbedibol) <a href="https://twitter.com/bolbedibol/status/1127040081431224320?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 11, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>''A very sad day for me. My guru Shri Roshan Taneja expired yesterday. I owe my career to him. RIP," he wrote alongside a picture of him with Taneja.</p>


Veteran acting coach Roshan Taneja passed away Friday night after a prolonged illness. He was 87. According to family sources, Taneja passed away at his residence in his sleep, 'peacefully.

Veteran acting coach Roshan Taneja passed away Friday night after a prolonged illness. He was 87. According to family sources, Taneja passed away at his residence in his sleep, 'peacefully.' He was suffering from pancreatic cancer. Taneja was the former head of the acting department in the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) Pune. He later started his own 'Roshan Taneja School of Acting'. He trained actors like Shabana Azmi, Om Puri, Naseeruddin Shah, Ranbir Kapoor, Anil Kapoor, Rakesh Bedi among others. Azmi took to Twitter to pay homage to her teacher. "Late last night came the sad news that @RoshanTaneja passed away.He was my Guru at FTII and the only person whose feet I touched. I was privileged to be trained in Acting by him. Deepest condolences to Didi and the family. RIP Taneja Sir," she wrote. Late last night came the sad news that @RoshanTaneja passed away.He was my Guru at FTII and the only person whos feet I touched.I was privileged to be trained in Acting by https://t.co/TDtYgGxmLh deepest condolences to Didi and the family. RIP Taneja Sir — Azmi Shabana (@AzmiShabana) May 11, 2019 × Bedi also remembered Taneja and said he owed his career to the acting guru. A very sad day for me. My guru Shri Roshan Taneja expired yesterday. I owe my career to him. RIP pic.twitter.com/XpdCLpR367 — rakesh bedi (@bolbedibol) May 11, 2019 × ''A very sad day for me. My guru Shri Roshan Taneja expired yesterday. I owe my career to him. RIP," he wrote alongside a picture of him with Taneja.

Roshan Taneja, acting coach of Naseeruddin Shah and Shabana Azmi dies

<p>Bollywood’s obsession with films based on the lives of prominent personalities does not seem to fade away any time soon as filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri revealed first look posters of his upcoming film ‘The Tashkent Files’.&nbsp;</p>

<p>‘The Tashkent Files’ is not a biopic&nbsp;but it questions the mysterious circumstances under which India’s second Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri died in Russia after signing a war treaty in Tashkent. He died in January 1966 in Tashkent (now in Uzbekistan), a day after signing the Tashkent Agreement, which formally ended the Indo-Pakistan war of 1965.</p>

<p>Shastri’s death is a controversial debate that has led to many conspiracy theories around it. It was initially reported that he died&nbsp;because of a heart attack but it is also debated that he knew of whereabouts of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The film has brought together an ensemble cast including Mithun Chakraborty, Naseeruddin Shah, Shweta Basu, Pankaj Tripathi, Vinay Pathak, Mandira Bedi, Pallavi Joshi, Ankur Rathee and Prakash Belawadi.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Presenting 3 times national award winner <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MithunChakraborty?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MithunChakraborty</a> as <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ShyamSundarTripathi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ShyamSundarTripathi</a>, a political guru whose only mantra is to win.<br />
“Because losers can’t change the destiny of a nation.”<br />
Trailer out on 25.03.19<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheTashkentFiles?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TheTashkentFiles</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WhoKilledShastri?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WhoKilledShastri</a> <a href="https://t.co/DBdZV8Nm4U">pic.twitter.com/DBdZV8Nm4U</a></p>
— Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri (@vivekagnihotri) <a href="https://twitter.com/vivekagnihotri/status/1108963474283991040?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>Mithun plays the role of leader of the opposition, Shyam Sundar Tripathi while Shah plays PKR Natrajan. Shweta Basu Prasad plays Raagini Phule, Pankaj Tripathi is Gangaram Jha and Pallavi Joshi as Aiysha Ali Shah.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Naseeruddin Shah... <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheTashkentFiles?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TheTashkentFiles</a> trailer on 25 March 2019... Directed by Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri... 12 April 2019 release. <a href="https://t.co/vgFH7xCEbd">pic.twitter.com/vgFH7xCEbd</a></p>
— taran adarsh (@taran_adarsh) <a href="https://twitter.com/taran_adarsh/status/1109313911017242625?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="ht">Shweta Basu Prasad is <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RaaginiPhule?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RaaginiPhule</a>... <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheTashkentFiles?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TheTashkentFiles</a> trailer on 25 March 2019... Directed by Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri... 12 April 2019 release. <a href="https://t.co/lpfwHFf6fx">pic.twitter.com/lpfwHFf6fx</a></p>
— taran adarsh (@taran_adarsh) <a href="https://twitter.com/taran_adarsh/status/1108973023665676288?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="ht">Pankaj Tripathi is <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GangaramJha?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GangaramJha</a>... <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheTashkentFiles?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TheTashkentFiles</a> trailer on 25 March 2019... Directed by Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri... 12 April 2019 release. <a href="https://t.co/njIaHPgO4l">pic.twitter.com/njIaHPgO4l</a></p>
— taran adarsh (@taran_adarsh) <a href="https://twitter.com/taran_adarsh/status/1108996081822523392?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="ht">Pallavi Joshi is <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AiyshaAliShah?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AiyshaAliShah</a>... <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheTashkentFiles?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TheTashkentFiles</a> trailer on 25 March 2019... Directed by Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri... 12 April 2019 release. <a href="https://t.co/9gw4fJyNyt">pic.twitter.com/9gw4fJyNyt</a></p>
— taran adarsh (@taran_adarsh) <a href="https://twitter.com/taran_adarsh/status/1109018962740731904?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>The trailer of the film opens to&nbsp;a fictional representation of the functioning of an enquiry committee that probes into the death of Shastri. See the trailer here:</p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="400" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OgWylHdfIdo" width="650"></iframe></p>

<p>The film is bankrolled by Zee Studios and is slated to release on April 12, 2019. It is produced by Pranay Chokshi, Haresh Patel, Pallavi Joshi and Vivek.&nbsp;</p>


Bollywood’s obsession with films based on the lives of prominent personalities does not seem to fade away any time soon as filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri revealed first look posters of his upcoming film ‘The Tashkent Files’.

Bollywood’s obsession with films based on the lives of prominent personalities does not seem to fade away any time soon as filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri revealed first look posters of his upcoming film ‘The Tashkent Files’. ‘The Tashkent Files’ is not a biopic but it questions the mysterious circumstances under which India’s second Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri died in Russia after signing a war treaty in Tashkent. He died in January 1966 in Tashkent (now in Uzbekistan), a day after signing the Tashkent Agreement, which formally ended the Indo-Pakistan war of 1965. Shastri’s death is a controversial debate that has led to many conspiracy theories around it. It was initially reported that he died because of a heart attack but it is also debated that he knew of whereabouts of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose. The film has brought together an ensemble cast including Mithun Chakraborty, Naseeruddin Shah, Shweta Basu, Pankaj Tripathi, Vinay Pathak, Mandira Bedi, Pallavi Joshi, Ankur Rathee and Prakash Belawadi. Presenting 3 times national award winner #MithunChakraborty as #ShyamSundarTripathi, a political guru whose only mantra is to win. “Because losers can’t change the destiny of a nation.” Trailer out on 25.03.19#TheTashkentFiles #WhoKilledShastri pic.twitter.com/DBdZV8Nm4U — Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri (@vivekagnihotri) March 22, 2019 × Mithun plays the role of leader of the opposition, Shyam Sundar Tripathi while Shah plays PKR Natrajan. Shweta Basu Prasad plays Raagini Phule, Pankaj Tripathi is Gangaram Jha and Pallavi Joshi as Aiysha Ali Shah. Naseeruddin Shah... #TheTashkentFiles trailer on 25 March 2019... Directed by Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri... 12 April 2019 release. pic.twitter.com/vgFH7xCEbd — taran adarsh (@taran_adarsh) March 23, 2019 × Shweta Basu Prasad is #RaaginiPhule... #TheTashkentFiles trailer on 25 March 2019... Directed by Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri... 12 April 2019 release. pic.twitter.com/lpfwHFf6fx — taran adarsh (@taran_adarsh) March 22, 2019 × Pankaj Tripathi is #GangaramJha... #TheTashkentFiles trailer on 25 March 2019... Directed by Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri... 12 April 2019 release. pic.twitter.com/njIaHPgO4l — taran adarsh (@taran_adarsh) March 22, 2019 × Pallavi Joshi is #AiyshaAliShah... #TheTashkentFiles trailer on 25 March 2019... Directed by Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri... 12 April 2019 release. pic.twitter.com/9gw4fJyNyt — taran adarsh (@taran_adarsh) March 22, 2019 × The trailer of the film opens to a fictional representation of the functioning of an enquiry committee that probes into the death of Shastri. See the trailer here: The film is bankrolled by Zee Studios and is slated to release on April 12, 2019. It is produced by Pranay Chokshi, Haresh Patel, Pallavi Joshi and Vivek.

'The Tashkent Files' trailer has Mithun Chakraborty, Naseeruddin Shah ask questions about Lal Bahadur Shastri's death

<p>Nobel laureate Amartya Sen on Sunday came out in support of Naseeruddin Shah, who recently stoked a controversy with his remark on mob violence and appeared in a video for the Amnesty India against alleged government crackdown on NGOs, and said attempts were being made to "disturb" the actor.</p>

<p>In a 2-minute solidarity video for the human rights watchdog Amnesty, Shah had said on Friday that those who demand rights are being locked up.</p>

<p>Asked by reporters on the veteran actor's comments, Sen said, "We must protest against such attempts to disturb the actor... What has been happening (in the country) is objectionable. It should stop."</p>

<p>The 85-year-old economist said many institutions in the country are under attack, and their freedom is being encroached. "Even journalists are facing harassment".</p>

<p>About troll attacks against personalities like Shah, he said, "Losing the ability to tolerate others is a serious cause for concern, it points to the losing of ability to think and analyse."</p>

<p>Under the hashtag #AbkiBaarManavAdhikaar, the Amnesty had claimed that India has witnessed a massive crackdown on freedom of expression and human rights defenders.</p>

<p>In his solidarity message in Urdu, Shah had said, "Artistes, actors, scholars, poets are all being stifled. Journalists too are being silenced.</p>

<p>"In the name of religion, walls of hatred are being erected. Innocents are being killed. The country is awash with horrific hatred and cruelty."</p>

<p>Last month, the 68-year-old had said the death of a cow had acquired more significance than that of a police officer in the country.</p>

<p>He was speaking in the wake of a mob violence that broke out in Uttar Pradesh's Bulandshahr on December 3 over alleged cow slaughter in the Mahaw village. The violence led to the death of two men, including a police inspector.</p>

<p>The National Award-winning actor's visit to a literary fest in December was also cancelled following protests by Hindu outfits over his comments on mob violence.</p>


Nobel laureate Amartya Sen on Sunday came out in support of Naseeruddin Shah, who recently stoked a controversy with his remark on mob violence and appeared in a video for the Amnesty India against alleged government crackdown on NGOs, and said attempts were being made to "disturb" the actor.

Nobel laureate Amartya Sen on Sunday came out in support of Naseeruddin Shah, who recently stoked a controversy with his remark on mob violence and appeared in a video for the Amnesty India against alleged government crackdown on NGOs, and said attempts were being made to "disturb" the actor. In a 2-minute solidarity video for the human rights watchdog Amnesty, Shah had said on Friday that those who demand rights are being locked up. Asked by reporters on the veteran actor's comments, Sen said, "We must protest against such attempts to disturb the actor... What has been happening (in the country) is objectionable. It should stop." The 85-year-old economist said many institutions in the country are under attack, and their freedom is being encroached. "Even journalists are facing harassment". About troll attacks against personalities like Shah, he said, "Losing the ability to tolerate others is a serious cause for concern, it points to the losing of ability to think and analyse." Under the hashtag #AbkiBaarManavAdhikaar, the Amnesty had claimed that India has witnessed a massive crackdown on freedom of expression and human rights defenders. In his solidarity message in Urdu, Shah had said, "Artistes, actors, scholars, poets are all being stifled. Journalists too are being silenced. "In the name of religion, walls of hatred are being erected. Innocents are being killed. The country is awash with horrific hatred and cruelty." Last month, the 68-year-old had said the death of a cow had acquired more significance than that of a police officer in the country. He was speaking in the wake of a mob violence that broke out in Uttar Pradesh's Bulandshahr on December 3 over alleged cow slaughter in the Mahaw village. The violence led to the death of two men, including a police inspector. The National Award-winning actor's visit to a literary fest in December was also cancelled following protests by Hindu outfits over his comments on mob violence.

Amartya Sen backs Naseeruddin Shah, says actor being disturbed

<p>Pakistan Prime Minister upped the ante on the ongoing minority row on Tuesday. In a series of tweets, Khan&nbsp;stated that Muhammad Ali Jinnah's struggle for a separate nation started when he realised that "Muslims would not be treated as equal citizens by the Hindu majority."</p>

<p>He added that 'Naya Pakistan' is "Quaid's Pakistan" wherein he will ensure "that our minorities are treated as equal citizens, unlike what is happening in India."</p>

<p>"His (Jinnah) struggle for a separate nation for Muslims only started when he realised that Muslims would not be treated as equal citizens by the Hindu majority. Naya Pak is Quaid's Pak and we will ensure that our minorities are treated as equal citizens, unlike what is happening in India," Khan tweeted out.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added that Quaid (Jinnah) had a vision to see Pakistan as a democratic, just and compassionate nation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Most importantly he wanted our minorities to be equal citizens. It should be remembered that his early political career was as an ambassador for Hindu Muslim unity," he stated.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">His struggle for a separate nation for Muslims only started when he realised that Muslims would not be treated as equal citizens by the Hindu majority. Naya Pak is Quaid's Pak &amp; we will ensure that our minorities are treated as equal citizens, unlike what is happening in India. <a href="https://t.co/xFPo8ahJnp">https://t.co/xFPo8ahJnp</a></p>
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/1077478982478639104?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 25, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Khan's comments came in the backdrop of a controversy involving Bollywood actor Naseeruddin Shah's over his remarks on mob violence in India.</p>

<p>Shah finds himself at the centre of a major controversy over his remarks on the spate of mob lynching cases in India following the killing of a policeman in Uttar Pradesh's Bulandshahr district earlier this month.</p>

<p>Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday said he will "show" PM Modi-led government "how to treat minorities."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We will show the Modi government how to treat minorities... Even in India, people are saying that minorities are not being treated as equal citizens," he said referring to Shah's statement.</p>

<p>Khan's comments raked a controversy in India with senior leaders and politicians asking that the Pak PM should look after the affairs of his own country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"According to the Pakistani Constitution, only a Muslim is qualified to be President. India has seen multiple Presidents from oppressed communities. It's high time Khan sahab learns something from us about inclusive politics &amp; minority rights," the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/imran-khan-should-learn-from-india-about-minority-rights-asaduddin-owaisi-186147">AIMIM) chief said</a>.</p>

<p>Union Home Minister <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-only-country-where-people-of-all-religions-live-together-peacefully-rajnath-singh-on-naseeruddin-shahs-comments-186051">Rajnath Singh on Sunday</a> described India as one of the most tolerant countries in the world where people of different religions live together peacefully.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"India is the only country where people of all religions live together peacefully. There are 72 sects in Islam, all of them are found here, not even the Islamic countries have all. There’s no question of intolerance in the country", Rajnath Singh said.</p>


Pakistan Prime Minister upped the ante on the ongoing minority row on Tuesday. In a series of tweets, Khan stated that Muhammad Ali Jinnah's struggle for a separate nation started when he realised that "Muslims would not be treated as equal citizens by the Hindu majority.

Pakistan Prime Minister upped the ante on the ongoing minority row on Tuesday. In a series of tweets, Khan stated that Muhammad Ali Jinnah's struggle for a separate nation started when he realised that "Muslims would not be treated as equal citizens by the Hindu majority." He added that 'Naya Pakistan' is "Quaid's Pakistan" wherein he will ensure "that our minorities are treated as equal citizens, unlike what is happening in India." "His (Jinnah) struggle for a separate nation for Muslims only started when he realised that Muslims would not be treated as equal citizens by the Hindu majority. Naya Pak is Quaid's Pak and we will ensure that our minorities are treated as equal citizens, unlike what is happening in India," Khan tweeted out. He added that Quaid (Jinnah) had a vision to see Pakistan as a democratic, just and compassionate nation. "Most importantly he wanted our minorities to be equal citizens. It should be remembered that his early political career was as an ambassador for Hindu Muslim unity," he stated. His struggle for a separate nation for Muslims only started when he realised that Muslims would not be treated as equal citizens by the Hindu majority. Naya Pak is Quaid's Pak & we will ensure that our minorities are treated as equal citizens, unlike what is happening in India. https://t.co/xFPo8ahJnp — Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) December 25, 2018 × Khan's comments came in the backdrop of a controversy involving Bollywood actor Naseeruddin Shah's over his remarks on mob violence in India. Shah finds himself at the centre of a major controversy over his remarks on the spate of mob lynching cases in India following the killing of a policeman in Uttar Pradesh's Bulandshahr district earlier this month. Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday said he will "show" PM Modi-led government "how to treat minorities." "We will show the Modi government how to treat minorities... Even in India, people are saying that minorities are not being treated as equal citizens," he said referring to Shah's statement. Khan's comments raked a controversy in India with senior leaders and politicians asking that the Pak PM should look after the affairs of his own country. "According to the Pakistani Constitution, only a Muslim is qualified to be President. India has seen multiple Presidents from oppressed communities. It's high time Khan sahab learns something from us about inclusive politics & minority rights," the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief said. Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday described India as one of the most tolerant countries in the world where people of different religions live together peacefully. "India is the only country where people of all religions live together peacefully. There are 72 sects in Islam, all of them are found here, not even the Islamic countries have all. There’s no question of intolerance in the country", Rajnath Singh said.

Will ensure 'our minorities are treated as equal citizens, unlike India': Pak's Imran Khan

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-irritated-by-resignation-letter-tells-mattis-to-go-2-months-early-186055">Trump, irritated by resignation letter, tells Mattis to go 2 months early</a></p>

<p>US President Donald Trump on Sunday said he was replacing Defence Secretary Jim Mattis two months earlier than had been expected, a move officials said was driven by Trump's anger at Mattis' resignation letter and its rebuke of his foreign policy.&nbsp;</p>

<p><br />
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/relishing-battle-with-virat-kohli-says-australia-captain-tim-paine-186063">'Relishing' battle with Virat Kohli, says Australia captain Tim Paine</a></p>

<p>Australia skipper Tim Paine said Monday he is relishing his sometimes heated battle with animated Indian counterpart Virat Kohli, and promised "intense, hard" cricket in the crunch Boxing Day Test at Melbourne.</p>

<p>The pair had some testy exchanges in the second Test at Perth, which at one point needed the umpire to intervene.</p>

<p>And Kohli offered only a frosty handshake at the end of the game, which Australia won to level the four-Test series 1-1, refusing to meet Paine's eye in a move blasted by some as disrespectful.</p>

<p><br />
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/another-tsunami-could-hit-indonesia-experts-warn-186056">Another tsunami could hit Indonesia, warn experts</a></p>

<p>Another tsunami could strike Indonesia, experts warned on Sunday, a day after more than 200 people were killed by a wave triggered by a volcanic eruption.</p>

<p><br />
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/doctor-kills-ex-wife-keeps-her-alive-on-social-media-for-7-months-186064">UP doctor kills ex-wife, keeps her 'alive' on social media for 7 months</a></p>

<p>A UP doctor and owner of a hospital killed his ex-wife and kept her "alive" on social media for seven months to hoodwink the authorities.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Dr Dharmendra Pratap Singh, with the help of two employees, killed his wife in Pokhara, Nepal in June 2018 by throwing her off a cliff.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/ashutosh-rana-madhur-bhandarkar-back-naseeruddin-shahs-comment-on-bulandshahr-violence-186062">Ashutosh Rana, Madhur Bhandarkar come out in support of Naseeruddin Shah</a></p>

<p>Bollywood actor Ashutosh Rana and film director Madhur Bhandarkar have come out in support of Naseeruddin Shah over the veteran actor`s recent comment on Bulandshahr violence.</p>

<p>Speaking on the ongoing controversy surrounding Shah`s comment, Rana stated that everyone has a right to share their thoughts.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Trump, irritated by resignation letter, tells Mattis to go 2 months early US President Donald Trump on Sunday said he was replacing Defence Secretary Jim Mattis two months earlier than had been expected, a move officials said was driven by Trump's anger at Mattis' resignation letter and its rebuke of his foreign policy.

Trump, irritated by resignation letter, tells Mattis to go 2 months early US President Donald Trump on Sunday said he was replacing Defence Secretary Jim Mattis two months earlier than had been expected, a move officials said was driven by Trump's anger at Mattis' resignation letter and its rebuke of his foreign policy. 'Relishing' battle with Virat Kohli, says Australia captain Tim Paine Australia skipper Tim Paine said Monday he is relishing his sometimes heated battle with animated Indian counterpart Virat Kohli, and promised "intense, hard" cricket in the crunch Boxing Day Test at Melbourne. The pair had some testy exchanges in the second Test at Perth, which at one point needed the umpire to intervene. And Kohli offered only a frosty handshake at the end of the game, which Australia won to level the four-Test series 1-1, refusing to meet Paine's eye in a move blasted by some as disrespectful. Another tsunami could hit Indonesia, warn experts Another tsunami could strike Indonesia, experts warned on Sunday, a day after more than 200 people were killed by a wave triggered by a volcanic eruption. UP doctor kills ex-wife, keeps her 'alive' on social media for 7 months A UP doctor and owner of a hospital killed his ex-wife and kept her "alive" on social media for seven months to hoodwink the authorities. Dr Dharmendra Pratap Singh, with the help of two employees, killed his wife in Pokhara, Nepal in June 2018 by throwing her off a cliff. Ashutosh Rana, Madhur Bhandarkar come out in support of Naseeruddin Shah Bollywood actor Ashutosh Rana and film director Madhur Bhandarkar have come out in support of Naseeruddin Shah over the veteran actor`s recent comment on Bulandshahr violence. Speaking on the ongoing controversy surrounding Shah`s comment, Rana stated that everyone has a right to share their thoughts.

News brief: Big stories of the day

<p>Bollywood actor Ashutosh Rana and film director Madhur Bhandarkar have come out in support of Naseeruddin Shah over the veteran actor`s recent comment on Bulandshahr violence.</p>

<p>Speaking on the ongoing controversy surrounding Shah`s comment, Rana stated that everyone has a right to share their thoughts.</p>

<p>"Everyone should have a right to share their thoughts with their friends or other people without any fear. We should be wary of reacting, acting or doing a trial on any such comment. If any of our brother or friend is saying something, we should not only listen to them but must also ponder over it," Rana said while interacting with media.</p>

<p>"Independence stands for simplicity and gentleness and that is what our culture is," the actor further added.</p>

<p>Director Madhur Bhandarkar also expressed his support for Shah saying that everyone has their own point of view. "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. I don` think there is any problem or intolerance," he added.</p>

<p>Naseeruddin Shah<a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/cows-death-is-given-more-importance-than-a-policemans-naseeruddin-shah-185510"> has been facing criticism for his recent comment over the Bulandshahr violence</a>&nbsp;in which two people including a police official were killed over rumours of cow slaughter.</p>

<p>"At many places, the death of a cow is being given more importance than the killing of a policeman. I feel anxious for my children because tomorrow if a mob surrounds them and asks, `Are you a Hindu or a Muslim?` they will have no answer. It worries me that I don`t see the situation improving anytime soon," Shah said in a video interview to Karwan-e-Mohabbat India (Caravan of Love), an activist collective that is focussed on highlight and combating instances of hate crimes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>(With agency inputs)</p>


Bollywood actor Ashutosh Rana and film director Madhur Bhandarkar have come out in support of Naseeruddin Shah over the veteran actor`s recent comment on Bulandshahr violence.

Bollywood actor Ashutosh Rana and film director Madhur Bhandarkar have come out in support of Naseeruddin Shah over the veteran actor`s recent comment on Bulandshahr violence. Speaking on the ongoing controversy surrounding Shah`s comment, Rana stated that everyone has a right to share their thoughts. "Everyone should have a right to share their thoughts with their friends or other people without any fear. We should be wary of reacting, acting or doing a trial on any such comment. If any of our brother or friend is saying something, we should not only listen to them but must also ponder over it," Rana said while interacting with media. "Independence stands for simplicity and gentleness and that is what our culture is," the actor further added. Director Madhur Bhandarkar also expressed his support for Shah saying that everyone has their own point of view. "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. I don` think there is any problem or intolerance," he added. Naseeruddin Shah has been facing criticism for his recent comment over the Bulandshahr violence in which two people including a police official were killed over rumours of cow slaughter. "At many places, the death of a cow is being given more importance than the killing of a policeman. I feel anxious for my children because tomorrow if a mob surrounds them and asks, `Are you a Hindu or a Muslim?` they will have no answer. It worries me that I don`t see the situation improving anytime soon," Shah said in a video interview to Karwan-e-Mohabbat India (Caravan of Love), an activist collective that is focussed on highlight and combating instances of hate crimes. (With agency inputs)

Ashutosh Rana, Madhur Bhandarkar come out in support of Naseeruddin Shah

<p>Union Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday reacted to<a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/cows-death-is-given-more-importance-than-a-policemans-naseeruddin-shah-185510"> Naseeruddin Shah's comments</a>, saying that India is one of the most tolerant countries in the world.</p>

<p>Singh added that people of all religions live together peacefully in India.</p>

<p>"India is the only country where people of all religions live together peacefully. There are 72 sects in Islam, all of them are found here, not even the Islamic countries have all. There’s no question of intolerance in the country", Rajnath Singh said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">HM Rajnath Singh on Naseeruddin Shah's statement: India is the only country where people of all religions live together peacefully. There are 72 sects in Islam, all of them are found here, not even the Islamic countries have all. There’s no question of intolerance in the country <a href="https://t.co/r13GEsUZo2">pic.twitter.com/r13GEsUZo2</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1076840904118329344?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Meanwhile,&nbsp;Union Minister Prakash Javadekar said that India was one of the safest nations and anyone feeling unsafe here shows a sign of "insecure mentality".</p>

<p>"If anyone feels unsafe in the safest nation then it's a sign of insecure mentality. Everyone gets the chance to put forth their views and express their art in this country. Therefore, such accusation is not correct".</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Union Minister Prakash Javadekar on Naseeruddin Shah's statement: If anyone feels unsafe in the safest nation then it's a sign of insecure mentality. Everyone gets the chance to put forth their views &amp; express their art in this country. Therefore, such accusation is not correct. <a href="https://t.co/NycpzA8ZNI">pic.twitter.com/NycpzA8ZNI</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1076859522306629632?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>In an online video message, critically-acclaimed actor Naseeruddin Shah had said that the death of a cow is being given more importance than the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/up-police-inspector-civilian-killed-in-protest-over-illegal-slaughterhouse-in-bulandshahr-181230">death of a police officer in some areas.</a></p>

<p>Shah expressed concern for his children due to the current situation in the country.<br />
<br />
“I feel worried thinking about my children because they have not received any religious education. We chose not to give any religious education to our children because I believe that good or evil has nothing to do with religion,” Shah said.<br />
<br />
“We did teach them about good and bad. We taught them what our beliefs are. Tomorrow if a mob surrounds them and asks them if they are Hindu or Muslim, they will have no answer," the veteran actor added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Union Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday reacted to Naseeruddin Shah's comments, saying that India is one of the most tolerant countries in the world. Singh added that people of all religions live together peacefully in India.

Union Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday reacted to Naseeruddin Shah's comments, saying that India is one of the most tolerant countries in the world. Singh added that people of all religions live together peacefully in India. "India is the only country where people of all religions live together peacefully. There are 72 sects in Islam, all of them are found here, not even the Islamic countries have all. There’s no question of intolerance in the country", Rajnath Singh said. HM Rajnath Singh on Naseeruddin Shah's statement: India is the only country where people of all religions live together peacefully. There are 72 sects in Islam, all of them are found here, not even the Islamic countries have all. There’s no question of intolerance in the country pic.twitter.com/r13GEsUZo2 — ANI (@ANI) December 23, 2018 × Meanwhile, Union Minister Prakash Javadekar said that India was one of the safest nations and anyone feeling unsafe here shows a sign of "insecure mentality". "If anyone feels unsafe in the safest nation then it's a sign of insecure mentality. Everyone gets the chance to put forth their views and express their art in this country. Therefore, such accusation is not correct". Union Minister Prakash Javadekar on Naseeruddin Shah's statement: If anyone feels unsafe in the safest nation then it's a sign of insecure mentality. Everyone gets the chance to put forth their views & express their art in this country. Therefore, such accusation is not correct. pic.twitter.com/NycpzA8ZNI — ANI (@ANI) December 23, 2018 × In an online video message, critically-acclaimed actor Naseeruddin Shah had said that the death of a cow is being given more importance than the death of a police officer in some areas. Shah expressed concern for his children due to the current situation in the country. “I feel worried thinking about my children because they have not received any religious education. We chose not to give any religious education to our children because I believe that good or evil has nothing to do with religion,” Shah said. “We did teach them about good and bad. We taught them what our beliefs are. Tomorrow if a mob surrounds them and asks them if they are Hindu or Muslim, they will have no answer," the veteran actor added.

India most tolerant country: Rajnath Singh on Naseeruddin Shah row

<p>Amid controversy over Naseeruddin Shah's remarks on mob violence, Union minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi Saturday said the veteran actor's children need not feel scared as tolerance was in the DNA of the country.</p>

<p>Naqvi, while referring to Shah's remarks, also said a mountain was being made out of a molehill.</p>

<p>"I think his emotions may have been right, but his words were probably misconstrued and a mountain out of a molehill was made. India is a tolerant country. Tolerance and harmony are in the DNA of the country and despite any circumstances, nobody succeeded in destroying the strong legacy," Naqvi told PTI during his visit to the city.</p>

<p>"There is no need for his (Shah's) children to be scared. The country is moving ahead on the basis of the Constitution and in a democratic country, there is no need to fear anybody," the Minority Affairs Minister added.</p>

<p>Shah, one of the prominent film and stage actors in the country, has found himself at the centre of a major controversy over his remarks in reference to the killing of a policeman in Bulandshahr earlier this month.</p>

<p>He said the death of a cow was being given importance over the killing of a policeman in the violence.</p>

<p>In the interview, the actor had also expressed concern over the well-being of his children, who he said have not been brought up as followers of any particular religion.</p>

<p>Naqvi, while taking a dig at National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah for lauding Congress president Rahul Gandhi over the party's electoral wins in the recent state polls, said the former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister was right in saying that Gandhi is no more a 'Pappu'.</p>

<p>"He is not a 'Pappu' anymore but has become a 'Gappu' - one who spreads rumours and is a loudmouth.</p>

<p>From 'Pappu' to 'Gappu', his journey has been with a 'jhooth ka jhunjhuna (rattle of lies)," the minister said.</p>

<p>"However, the tree of lies has come under the mountain of truth. As far as the fabricated story of Rafale is concerned, it is a well-planned conspiracy against the national security," he added.</p>

<p>On the ongoing debate over the caste of Lord Hanuman, the minister said the Ramayana character should not be pushed into any kind of controversy, as he is worshipped and respected by the people, he said.</p>

<p>"Serving Lord Ram and fighting against evil forces was his only message and his real caste," Naqvi said.</p>


Amid controversy over Naseeruddin Shah's remarks on mob violence, Union minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi Saturday said the veteran actor's children need not feel scared as tolerance was in the DNA of the country.

Amid controversy over Naseeruddin Shah's remarks on mob violence, Union minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi Saturday said the veteran actor's children need not feel scared as tolerance was in the DNA of the country. Naqvi, while referring to Shah's remarks, also said a mountain was being made out of a molehill. "I think his emotions may have been right, but his words were probably misconstrued and a mountain out of a molehill was made. India is a tolerant country. Tolerance and harmony are in the DNA of the country and despite any circumstances, nobody succeeded in destroying the strong legacy," Naqvi told PTI during his visit to the city. "There is no need for his (Shah's) children to be scared. The country is moving ahead on the basis of the Constitution and in a democratic country, there is no need to fear anybody," the Minority Affairs Minister added. Shah, one of the prominent film and stage actors in the country, has found himself at the centre of a major controversy over his remarks in reference to the killing of a policeman in Bulandshahr earlier this month. He said the death of a cow was being given importance over the killing of a policeman in the violence. In the interview, the actor had also expressed concern over the well-being of his children, who he said have not been brought up as followers of any particular religion. Naqvi, while taking a dig at National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah for lauding Congress president Rahul Gandhi over the party's electoral wins in the recent state polls, said the former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister was right in saying that Gandhi is no more a 'Pappu'. "He is not a 'Pappu' anymore but has become a 'Gappu' - one who spreads rumours and is a loudmouth. From 'Pappu' to 'Gappu', his journey has been with a 'jhooth ka jhunjhuna (rattle of lies)," the minister said. "However, the tree of lies has come under the mountain of truth. As far as the fabricated story of Rafale is concerned, it is a well-planned conspiracy against the national security," he added. On the ongoing debate over the caste of Lord Hanuman, the minister said the Ramayana character should not be pushed into any kind of controversy, as he is worshipped and respected by the people, he said. "Serving Lord Ram and fighting against evil forces was his only message and his real caste," Naqvi said.

Naseeruddin Shah's children need not feel scared: Union minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi

<p>Anupam Kher has asked his fellow actor Naseeruddin Shah "how much more freedom do you need?"&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;<br />
Kher's question came after Shah said this week that he worries when he thinks about his children. And that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/cows-death-is-given-more-importance-than-a-policemans-naseeruddin-shah-185510">a cow's death today is given more importance than a policeman's</a>.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Shah had been talking about the lynching of a policeman in Uttar Pradesh's Bulandhshahr by a mob that said the police was not doing enough to stop cow slaughter.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“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?" Kher was quoted as saying by ANI.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"He (Shah) said what he felt like, it doesn’t mean it’s the truth,” Kher added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Shah had made his comments to the Karwan e Mohabbat. &nbsp;</p>

<p>“The poison has already spread. It will be very difficult to capture this djinn back in the bottle. There is complete impunity for those who take law into their own hands. In many areas we are witnessing that the death of a cow has more significance than that of a police officer," Shah had said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I feel anxious thinking about my children. Because they don’t have a religion… tomorrow if a mob surrounds them and asks ‘are you a Hindu or a Muslim?’ they will have no answer. It worries me because I don’t see the situation improving anytime soon. These matters don’t scare me, they make me angry,” Shah had added.&nbsp;</p>


Anupam Kher has asked his fellow actor Naseeruddin Shah "how much more freedom do you need?" Kher's question came after Shah said this week that he worries when he thinks about his children.

Anupam Kher has asked his fellow actor Naseeruddin Shah "how much more freedom do you need?" Kher's question came after Shah said this week that he worries when he thinks about his children. And that a cow's death today is given more importance than a policeman's. Shah had been talking about the lynching of a policeman in Uttar Pradesh's Bulandhshahr by a mob that said the police was not doing enough to stop cow slaughter. “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?" Kher was quoted as saying by ANI. "He (Shah) said what he felt like, it doesn’t mean it’s the truth,” Kher added. Shah had made his comments to the Karwan e Mohabbat. “The poison has already spread. It will be very difficult to capture this djinn back in the bottle. There is complete impunity for those who take law into their own hands. In many areas we are witnessing that the death of a cow has more significance than that of a police officer," Shah had said. "I feel anxious thinking about my children. Because they don’t have a religion… tomorrow if a mob surrounds them and asks ‘are you a Hindu or a Muslim?’ they will have no answer. It worries me because I don’t see the situation improving anytime soon. These matters don’t scare me, they make me angry,” Shah had added.

'How much more freedom do you need?' Anupam Kher asks Naseeruddin Shah

<p>The BJP Sunday lashed out at Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan over his barb at India on the treatment of minorities, terming his country "a land of atrocities against minorities" who have been "persecuted" there since its birth in 1947.</p>

<p>Minorities Affairs Minister <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/naseeruddin-shahs-children-need-not-feel-scared-union-minister-mukhtar-abbas-naqvi-185913">Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi</a> used a Hindi proverb and described Khan's comments as a case of a cat going on a pilgrimage after eating 100 mice (Sau chuhe khake bill Haj ko chali).</p>

<p>In hard-hitting remarks against Pakistan, Naqvi said that number of minorities like Hindus, Sikhs and Christians have fallen by almost 90 per cent in that country since its birth in 1947 as they were hounded by Islamic fundamentalists in collusion with its government.</p>

<p>Unlike Pakistan, where minorities were killed, forced to convert or persecuted out of the country, in India, they have grown and are an equal partner in development, Naqvi asserted. In the neighbouring country, minorities are barely two to three per cent of its population, he said.</p>

<p>Targeting Khan, Naqvi named a number of popular Indian artists, including Yusuf Khan better known as Dilip Kumar, and Aamir Khan, Salman Khan and Shahrukh Khan, and noted that generations of Indians have admired them.</p>

<p>"Can Imran Khan name a single Pakistani artiste who has come from a minority community and been liked as much as these actors are in India," Naqvi said.</p>

<p>The Union minister also had a word of advice for veteran Indian actor <a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/naseeruddin-shahs-cows-death-comment-takes-political-turn-bjp-calls-it-pr-stunt-185590">Naseeruddin Shah</a>, whose comments expressing concern over mob violence in the country were seized upon by Imran Khan to claim on Saturday that he will show the Indian government how to treat minorities.</p>

<p>"Naseeruddin Shah should also consider that such a sweeping statement that is also factually incorrect causes a lot of harm and is used by anti-India forces to target our country," Naqvi said.</p>

<p>Shah had cited the murder of a police inspector in Uttar Pradesh's Bulandshahr by a mob protesting the alleged slaughter of cow to express his concern.</p>

<p>Slamming Pakistan, Naqvi said, "It is a land of atrocities against minorities. It is a land where the blood of minorities has been spilt over the decades. For it to lecture us on minority rights is a case of a cat going on a pilgrimage after eating 100 mice."</p>

<p>Minorities' constitutional, social and democratic rights in India have always been secure, he said, adding that Pakistan's ill-treatment of its minorities has been recorded by various global bodies, including the United Nations.</p>


The BJP Sunday lashed out at Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan over his barb at India on the treatment of minorities, terming his country "a land of atrocities against minorities" who have been "persecuted" there since its birth in 1947.

The BJP Sunday lashed out at Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan over his barb at India on the treatment of minorities, terming his country "a land of atrocities against minorities" who have been "persecuted" there since its birth in 1947. Minorities Affairs Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi used a Hindi proverb and described Khan's comments as a case of a cat going on a pilgrimage after eating 100 mice (Sau chuhe khake bill Haj ko chali). In hard-hitting remarks against Pakistan, Naqvi said that number of minorities like Hindus, Sikhs and Christians have fallen by almost 90 per cent in that country since its birth in 1947 as they were hounded by Islamic fundamentalists in collusion with its government. Unlike Pakistan, where minorities were killed, forced to convert or persecuted out of the country, in India, they have grown and are an equal partner in development, Naqvi asserted. In the neighbouring country, minorities are barely two to three per cent of its population, he said. Targeting Khan, Naqvi named a number of popular Indian artists, including Yusuf Khan better known as Dilip Kumar, and Aamir Khan, Salman Khan and Shahrukh Khan, and noted that generations of Indians have admired them. "Can Imran Khan name a single Pakistani artiste who has come from a minority community and been liked as much as these actors are in India," Naqvi said. The Union minister also had a word of advice for veteran Indian actor Naseeruddin Shah, whose comments expressing concern over mob violence in the country were seized upon by Imran Khan to claim on Saturday that he will show the Indian government how to treat minorities. "Naseeruddin Shah should also consider that such a sweeping statement that is also factually incorrect causes a lot of harm and is used by anti-India forces to target our country," Naqvi said. Shah had cited the murder of a police inspector in Uttar Pradesh's Bulandshahr by a mob protesting the alleged slaughter of cow to express his concern. Slamming Pakistan, Naqvi said, "It is a land of atrocities against minorities. It is a land where the blood of minorities has been spilt over the decades. For it to lecture us on minority rights is a case of a cat going on a pilgrimage after eating 100 mice." Minorities' constitutional, social and democratic rights in India have always been secure, he said, adding that Pakistan's ill-treatment of its minorities has been recorded by various global bodies, including the United Nations.

Pakistan a land of atrocities against minorities: Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi

<p>After Naseeruddin Shah spoke of the tense political climate in the country and how he fears for the safety of his children as “they have not received any religious education”, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/cows-death-is-given-more-importance-than-a-policemans-naseeruddin-shah-185510">his comment </a>has now become a point of debate between the opposition and ruling party.&nbsp;</p>

<p>His comment that the “death of a cow is being given more importance than the death of a police officer in some areas”, in reference to the recent Bulandshahar violence in which a police officer was killed by a mob -- has now been picked up by Congress and NCP. BJP, on the other hand, dubbed the actor’s views as an attempt to defame the government as part of a conspiracy ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.</p>

<p>Congress tweeted from its official handle in response: “#NaseeruddinShah we concur, do not fear the hate, fight it. #DaroMat”.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NaseeruddinShah?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NaseeruddinShah</a> we concur, do not fear the hate, fight it. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DaroMat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DaroMat</a><a href="https://t.co/pkUGczYSkN">https://t.co/pkUGczYSkN</a></p>
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<p>BJP dismissed Shah's comments as a "PR stunt." "This is not a tolerance and intolerance debate. This is a PR stunt,” party spokesperson Sambit Patra said. Party MP Prahlad Patel added, "This country has given so much to actors like Shah...he earned name, fame and respect among Indians. Still, if he feels that this country is not safe, he should take a call and settle in the country of his choice.”<br />
&nbsp;</p>


After Naseeruddin Shah spoke of the tense political climate in the country and how he fears for the safety of his children as “they have not received any religious education”, his comment has now become a point of debate between the opposition and ruling party.

After Naseeruddin Shah spoke of the tense political climate in the country and how he fears for the safety of his children as “they have not received any religious education”, his comment has now become a point of debate between the opposition and ruling party. His comment that the “death of a cow is being given more importance than the death of a police officer in some areas”, in reference to the recent Bulandshahar violence in which a police officer was killed by a mob -- has now been picked up by Congress and NCP. BJP, on the other hand, dubbed the actor’s views as an attempt to defame the government as part of a conspiracy ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. Congress tweeted from its official handle in response: “#NaseeruddinShah we concur, do not fear the hate, fight it. #DaroMat”. #NaseeruddinShah we concur, do not fear the hate, fight it. #DaroMathttps://t.co/pkUGczYSkN — Congress (@INCIndia) December 20, 2018 × BJP dismissed Shah's comments as a "PR stunt." "This is not a tolerance and intolerance debate. This is a PR stunt,” party spokesperson Sambit Patra said. Party MP Prahlad Patel added, "This country has given so much to actors like Shah...he earned name, fame and respect among Indians. Still, if he feels that this country is not safe, he should take a call and settle in the country of his choice.”

Naseeruddin Shah's 'cow's death' comment takes political turn, BJP calls it 'PR stunt'

<p>Not one to mince his words, actor Naseeruddin Shah has lashed out on people who take up the law in their own hands in a recent video. &nbsp;In a video message on YouTube, the critically-acclaimed actor said that the death of a cow is being given more importance than the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/up-police-inspector-civilian-killed-in-protest-over-illegal-slaughterhouse-in-bulandshahr-181230">death of a police officer in some areas.</a><br />
<br />
Shah who has been always vocal about issues prevailing in the country expressed concern for his children due to the current situation in the country.<br />
<br />
“I feel worried thinking about my children because they have not received any religious education. We chose not to give any religious education to our children because I believe that good or evil has nothing to do with religion,” said Shah.<br />
<br />
“We did teach them about good and bad. We taught them what our beliefs are. Tomorrow if a mob surrounds them and asks them if they are Hindu or Muslim, they will have no answer," added the veteran actor.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Shah was referring to the recent Bulandshahar violence in which a police officer was killed by a mob. The violence was sparked by the discovery of cow carcasses. <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bulandshahr-incident-a-political-conspiracy-yogi-adityanath-185358">Also read:&nbsp;Bulandshahr incident a 'political conspiracy': Yogi Adityanath</a></p>

<p>While three people were arrested for cow slaughter by the UP Police, the policeman's killer remain free.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Shah's comments were put online by Karwan-e-Mohabbat India (Caravan of Love), an activist collective that is focussed on highlight and combating instances of hate crimes.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Shah felt the situation would not be improving anytime soon.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
"I personally do not get afraid with these things, but I get angry. And I want that every right-thinking person should feel angry, not scared. This is our home, who can evict us from here?” the actor added.</p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Uh18VUfQJvA" width="560"></iframe></p>

<p>A few days back, Shah had<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/after-mike-hussey-naseeruddin-shah-slams-virat-kohli-by-calling-him-worlds-worst-behaved-player-184868"> lashed out on Indian cricket team skipper Virat Kohli</a> and called him the worst-behaved player in the world.</p>


Not one to mince his words, actor Naseeruddin Shah has lashed out on people who take up the law in their own hands in a recent video. In a video message on YouTube, the critically-acclaimed actor said that the death of a cow is being given more importance than the death of a police officer in some areas.

Not one to mince his words, actor Naseeruddin Shah has lashed out on people who take up the law in their own hands in a recent video. In a video message on YouTube, the critically-acclaimed actor said that the death of a cow is being given more importance than the death of a police officer in some areas. Shah who has been always vocal about issues prevailing in the country expressed concern for his children due to the current situation in the country. “I feel worried thinking about my children because they have not received any religious education. We chose not to give any religious education to our children because I believe that good or evil has nothing to do with religion,” said Shah. “We did teach them about good and bad. We taught them what our beliefs are. Tomorrow if a mob surrounds them and asks them if they are Hindu or Muslim, they will have no answer," added the veteran actor. Shah was referring to the recent Bulandshahar violence in which a police officer was killed by a mob. The violence was sparked by the discovery of cow carcasses. Also read: Bulandshahr incident a 'political conspiracy': Yogi Adityanath While three people were arrested for cow slaughter by the UP Police, the policeman's killer remain free. Shah's comments were put online by Karwan-e-Mohabbat India (Caravan of Love), an activist collective that is focussed on highlight and combating instances of hate crimes. Shah felt the situation would not be improving anytime soon. "I personally do not get afraid with these things, but I get angry. And I want that every right-thinking person should feel angry, not scared. This is our home, who can evict us from here?” the actor added. A few days back, Shah had lashed out on Indian cricket team skipper Virat Kohli and called him the worst-behaved player in the world.

Cow's death given more importance than a policeman's: Naseeruddin Shah

<p>After former Australian cricketer Mike Hussey criticised Virat Kohli for his attitude on ground, Bollywood actor Naseeruddin Shah on Monday called the Indian skipper 'world's worst behaved player'.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
Kohli, who is currently Down Under for the ongoing Test series, has been in the news lately for his war of words with his Australian counterpart Tim Paine.</p>

<p>Taking to Facebook, the 'Ishqiya' actor wrote: "Virat K is not only the world's best batsman but also the world's worst behaved player. His cricketing brilliance pales beside his arrogance and bad manners.. And I have no intention of leaving the country by the way."&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Shah's post received mixed response with some fans defending the cricketer, saying that the aggression was required to beat Australians, while some agreed with the actor.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Earlier in the day, Kohli and Paine came close to chest bumping when the Indian captain walked in front of Paine while he was close to completing a run.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The skippers’ verbal duel had forced on-field umpire Chris Gaffaney to warn both the players during the fourth day of the second Test.&nbsp;</p>


After former Australian cricketer Mike Hussey criticised Virat Kohli for his attitude on ground, Bollywood actor Naseeruddin Shah on Monday called the Indian skipper 'world's worst behaved player'.

After former Australian cricketer Mike Hussey criticised Virat Kohli for his attitude on ground, Bollywood actor Naseeruddin Shah on Monday called the Indian skipper 'world's worst behaved player'. Kohli, who is currently Down Under for the ongoing Test series, has been in the news lately for his war of words with his Australian counterpart Tim Paine. Taking to Facebook, the 'Ishqiya' actor wrote: "Virat K is not only the world's best batsman but also the world's worst behaved player. His cricketing brilliance pales beside his arrogance and bad manners.. And I have no intention of leaving the country by the way." × Shah's post received mixed response with some fans defending the cricketer, saying that the aggression was required to beat Australians, while some agreed with the actor. × × × Earlier in the day, Kohli and Paine came close to chest bumping when the Indian captain walked in front of Paine while he was close to completing a run. The skippers’ verbal duel had forced on-field umpire Chris Gaffaney to warn both the players during the fourth day of the second Test.

Naseeruddin Shah calls Virat Kohli 'world's worst behaved player', Twitter gets upset

<p>Naseeruddin Shah believes cinema serves as a record of times and he would not want the audience to look back at 2018 as the phase of only one kind of cinema, case in point "Salman Khan films".<br />
<br />
The veteran actor says cinema is for posterity and hence he takes it as his responsibility to do as many socially relevant films as possible.<br />
<br />
"I feel that cinema can't change society or bring a revolution. I'm also not sure of cinema as a medium of education. Documentaries can be educative, not feature films. People see them and forget. The only serious function films can serve is to act as a record of their times," Shah told PTI.<br />
<br />
The actor says it's for this reason that he chose to work in movies like 'A Wednesday' or his recent short film, 'Rogan Josh', set in the aftermath of 26/11 attacks.<br />
<br />
"I consider it my responsibility to take part in such films. All my serious works are a representative of their times. Cinema will survive. These films would be seen 200 years later.<br />
<br />
"People should know what the India of 2018 was like. They shouldn't end up seeing only Salman Khan films 200 years later. India is not like that. Cinema is for posterity," he adds.<br />
<br />
'Rogan Josh' by Sanjeev Vig, features Shah as a celebrated chef at The Taj Hotels who invites his family and friends home for dinner to celebrate his birthday.<br />
<br />
The dinner table conversation meanders to the shared experience of 26/11 and questions the quality of their existence after the life changing event.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Shah, 68, says he is always keen to work with young people who are struggling against odds to make what they believe in.<br />
<br />
"If there's a young man trying to make a song and dance film, I wouldn't give him a second. But here was a young man trying to make a film on a subject he believes should be made.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
"I am totally for first-timers. I always hear them seriously. I have done so many films with first timers and I've never regretted it," he says.<br />
<br />
'Rogan Josh', by Royal Stag Barrel Select Large Short Films, was screened at the 20th edition of Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival.<br />
<br />
The actor, who has worked in a couple of short films, says the medium is absolutely liberating for budding filmmakers.<br />
<br />
"The great thing about short films is that there's no pressure of producers sitting on these filmmakers head and telling them who the hero should be and what kind of songs (to he used).<br />
<br />
"They are having the freedom to make the kind of film they want to make without the worry of box office," he adds.&nbsp;</p>


Naseeruddin Shah believes cinema serves as a record of times and he would not want the audience to look back at 2018 as the phase of only one kind of cinema, case in point "Salman Khan films".

Naseeruddin Shah believes cinema serves as a record of times and he would not want the audience to look back at 2018 as the phase of only one kind of cinema, case in point "Salman Khan films". The veteran actor says cinema is for posterity and hence he takes it as his responsibility to do as many socially relevant films as possible. "I feel that cinema can't change society or bring a revolution. I'm also not sure of cinema as a medium of education. Documentaries can be educative, not feature films. People see them and forget. The only serious function films can serve is to act as a record of their times," Shah told PTI. The actor says it's for this reason that he chose to work in movies like 'A Wednesday' or his recent short film, 'Rogan Josh', set in the aftermath of 26/11 attacks. "I consider it my responsibility to take part in such films. All my serious works are a representative of their times. Cinema will survive. These films would be seen 200 years later. "People should know what the India of 2018 was like. They shouldn't end up seeing only Salman Khan films 200 years later. India is not like that. Cinema is for posterity," he adds. 'Rogan Josh' by Sanjeev Vig, features Shah as a celebrated chef at The Taj Hotels who invites his family and friends home for dinner to celebrate his birthday. The dinner table conversation meanders to the shared experience of 26/11 and questions the quality of their existence after the life changing event. Shah, 68, says he is always keen to work with young people who are struggling against odds to make what they believe in. "If there's a young man trying to make a song and dance film, I wouldn't give him a second. But here was a young man trying to make a film on a subject he believes should be made. "I am totally for first-timers. I always hear them seriously. I have done so many films with first timers and I've never regretted it," he says. 'Rogan Josh', by Royal Stag Barrel Select Large Short Films, was screened at the 20th edition of Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival. The actor, who has worked in a couple of short films, says the medium is absolutely liberating for budding filmmakers. "The great thing about short films is that there's no pressure of producers sitting on these filmmakers head and telling them who the hero should be and what kind of songs (to he used). "They are having the freedom to make the kind of film they want to make without the worry of box office," he adds.

Indian cinema shouldn't be remembered just for Salman Khan films, says Naseeruddin Shah

<p>Naseeruddin Shah will be seen in the upcoming film <em>Hope Aur Hum</em>, releasing on&nbsp;11th May. Directed by Sudip Bandyopadhyay, an ad filmmaker, the film talks about the Srivastava family whose lives are affected by a senior most member of the family, Nagesh (Naseeruddin Shah) whose obsession with his traditional copying machine, called Mr Soennecken starts to take a toll on the relationship of the entire family. While the ups and downs that the family take and this difficulty in letting go is a crucial aspect of the film, a little-known secret is that Sudip Bandyopadhyay wrote this film after a real-life incident.</p>

<p>The director, a fine arts student from Kolkata used to get photocopies from an old man near his college, that old man owned a machine very similar to Mr Soennecken in the film. It was this machine that helped Sudip make many college deadlines but soon like most old things it was time to dispose the old machine and bring in the new. In a matter of days, Sudip saw the old machine being thrown to the side and the new one being brought in. He knew right then, this was a story in the making. While he didn’t have the ability to buy the original copy machine that inspired this story. He sat with Art Director, Tapas Singha and they decided to build a Mr Soennecken.</p>

<p><img alt="Sonnecken Making.jpg" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="430" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/Sonnecken%20Making.jpg" width="770" /></p>

<p>The step by step process of building Mr Soennecken to look like the copier from Sudip’s adolescence is itself a film in the making. The director and producer knew the effort will pay off and it did when the whole cast and crew saw Mr Soennecken for the first time and couldn’t believe it was created on set, everyone including Naseer sir were in awe of the old looking new machine.</p>

<p><iframe allow="autoplay encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KcfJ6elJrnA" width="560"></iframe></p>

<p>When asked about it Sudip said, “When we started I had no images of Mr Soennecken, only pictures I had drawn as a young man. When I drew it for Tapas, it was mostly out of memory. Something that was so fresh in my mind, even 20 years later. Tapas and I began the work and it was coming together well when Ravi K Chandran told us ‘this doesn’t have a vintage feel.’ After that we tried many permutations and combinations to make it work, the only winner was an acid wash. So, Tapas and I sat and brushed the whole thing with acid, we saw the effect it had on the look and then we brushed it down with water again before it burned and then polished it. That was when Mr Soennecken was ready. The machine is truly made from our blood, sweat and tears.”</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


A 100-year-old photocopy machine was recreated specially for the film by the film's director and art director.

Naseeruddin Shah will be seen in the upcoming film Hope Aur Hum, releasing on 11th May. Directed by Sudip Bandyopadhyay, an ad filmmaker, the film talks about the Srivastava family whose lives are affected by a senior most member of the family, Nagesh (Naseeruddin Shah) whose obsession with his traditional copying machine, called Mr Soennecken starts to take a toll on the relationship of the entire family. While the ups and downs that the family take and this difficulty in letting go is a crucial aspect of the film, a little-known secret is that Sudip Bandyopadhyay wrote this film after a real-life incident. The director, a fine arts student from Kolkata used to get photocopies from an old man near his college, that old man owned a machine very similar to Mr Soennecken in the film. It was this machine that helped Sudip make many college deadlines but soon like most old things it was time to dispose the old machine and bring in the new. In a matter of days, Sudip saw the old machine being thrown to the side and the new one being brought in. He knew right then, this was a story in the making. While he didn’t have the ability to buy the original copy machine that inspired this story. He sat with Art Director, Tapas Singha and they decided to build a Mr Soennecken. The step by step process of building Mr Soennecken to look like the copier from Sudip’s adolescence is itself a film in the making. The director and producer knew the effort will pay off and it did when the whole cast and crew saw Mr Soennecken for the first time and couldn’t believe it was created on set, everyone including Naseer sir were in awe of the old looking new machine. When asked about it Sudip said, “When we started I had no images of Mr Soennecken, only pictures I had drawn as a young man. When I drew it for Tapas, it was mostly out of memory. Something that was so fresh in my mind, even 20 years later. Tapas and I began the work and it was coming together well when Ravi K Chandran told us ‘this doesn’t have a vintage feel.’ After that we tried many permutations and combinations to make it work, the only winner was an acid wash. So, Tapas and I sat and brushed the whole thing with acid, we saw the effect it had on the look and then we brushed it down with water again before it burned and then polished it. That was when Mr Soennecken was ready. The machine is truly made from our blood, sweat and tears.”

Home Aur Hum: How an iconic 100-year-old machine was recreated in this Naseeruddin Shah starrer

<p>Naseeruddin Shah on Monday spoke about a disturbing rape culture in India and the spike in rape cases being reported by the media calling it a “positive sign” at the trailer launch of his upcoming film <em>Hope Aur Hum</em>. Disturbed by the recent rape and murder cases of young girls, he spoke about it not being a recent phenomenon. &nbsp;</p>

<p>At the trailer launch, when he was asked for his opinion on the rape and murder of an eight-year-old girl in Jammu and Kashmir’s village, Shah said, "Well, rape is not a new phenomenon, such horrors have always happened but the positive thing is, these days such cases are reported more.”</p>

<p>“In fact, there is a very wonderful thing that I read yesterday in a newspaper where a rape survivor was saying that why should the victim have to hide her face? In fact, the accused, who committed the crime should be ashamed, they should hide their faces. It’s a threatful situation... I guess it’s a good thing that media is so alert about all these things nowadays. It surely makes our morning horrifying, as the moment you open the newspaper, such news appears. But it is good that such incidents are talked about.”</p>

<p>He, however, pointed out that this is not the solution and said, "We are talking about a generational change of mindset, that cannot happen overnight. What we can do, is to trend set the example in our personal lives. We cannot keep on policing or not every girl possibly keeps a pistol or learns martial arts. It has to begin with us, with each one of us.”</p>

<p>The trailer launch of <em>Hope Aur Hum </em>was attended by the cast and crew of the film including actress Sonali Kulkarni, Naveen Kasturia, along with child actors of the film and director Sudip Bandyopadhyay. The film is slated to release on May 11.</p>


Naseeruddin Shah spoke about the spike in media reportage about rape cases at the trailer launch of his film 'Hope Aur Hum'

Naseeruddin Shah on Monday spoke about a disturbing rape culture in India and the spike in rape cases being reported by the media calling it a “positive sign” at the trailer launch of his upcoming film Hope Aur Hum. Disturbed by the recent rape and murder cases of young girls, he spoke about it not being a recent phenomenon. At the trailer launch, when he was asked for his opinion on the rape and murder of an eight-year-old girl in Jammu and Kashmir’s village, Shah said, "Well, rape is not a new phenomenon, such horrors have always happened but the positive thing is, these days such cases are reported more.” “In fact, there is a very wonderful thing that I read yesterday in a newspaper where a rape survivor was saying that why should the victim have to hide her face? In fact, the accused, who committed the crime should be ashamed, they should hide their faces. It’s a threatful situation... I guess it’s a good thing that media is so alert about all these things nowadays. It surely makes our morning horrifying, as the moment you open the newspaper, such news appears. But it is good that such incidents are talked about.” He, however, pointed out that this is not the solution and said, "We are talking about a generational change of mindset, that cannot happen overnight. What we can do, is to trend set the example in our personal lives. We cannot keep on policing or not every girl possibly keeps a pistol or learns martial arts. It has to begin with us, with each one of us.” The trailer launch of Hope Aur Hum was attended by the cast and crew of the film including actress Sonali Kulkarni, Naveen Kasturia, along with child actors of the film and director Sudip Bandyopadhyay. The film is slated to release on May 11.

Naseeruddin Shah: More rape cases being reported is a good thing

<p>The city-based Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) wants artists and technicians from movie industries across the globe to come here and use its expertise to hone their skills.</p>

<p>The FTII has requested the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to identify countries from where it can invite artists and technicians to take help of the prestigious institute&#39;s expertise in film training and education.</p>

<p>In the last nine months, the FTII has successfully conducted several short-term courses, like film appreciation, screen acting, digital cinematography, screenplay writing and fiction writing, in various institutions across the country for the film and TV industries, said the institute&#39;s director, Bhupendra Kainthola.</p>

<p>&quot;Besides, a group of 20 actors from Nepal has been undergoing a short course in &#39;screen acting&#39; here in the institute, which is the first initiative one of its kind by the Ministry of External Affairs,&quot; he said.</p>

<p>The FTII is regarded as a centre of excellence across the world and the films made by its students have been well received in festivals in India and abroad, apart from winning various national and international awards, he said.</p>

<p>The institute has a long list of prominent alumni, including filmmakers Adoor Gopalakrishnan, Girish Kasaravalli and Vidhu Vinod Chopra, and actors Om Puri, Naseeruddin Shah, Jaya Bachchan and Shabana Azmi.</p>

<p>&quot;The FTII alumni have left an indelible imprint on all facets of the Indian cinema and television and have built an excellent reputation worldwide too,&quot; the director said.</p>

<p>&quot;With these strengths, we now want to go international and have a global footprint,&quot; he said.</p>

<p>&quot;We have approached the MEA and expressed our willingness to conduct short courses for artists and technicians from other countries, specially in Asia and Africa,&quot; he said.</p>

<p>He said, &quot;When we talk of India&#39;s soft power, then not only cinema but (aspects like) film education, film learning?and film training ought to be a part of?the canvas.&quot;</p>

<p>&quot;We have designed a lot of courses and trained our alumni as the resource persons and we are confident of taking a leap overseas and helping the film industries abroad with our expertise,&quot; he said.</p>

<p>Kainthola said the Indian embassy in Nepal had approached the FTII to consider facilitating a short course for some of the actors from the Himalayan nation.</p>

<p>With the help of the MEA, the 20-day course in &#39;screen acting&#39; for 20 actors - 12 male and eight female - from Nepal started recently, he said.</p>

<p>&quot;It is up to the MEA which countries to choose. If we get a green signal, we will barely need a month&#39;s time to finalise the nitty-gritty of the project,&quot; Kainthola said.</p>

<p>&quot;Since all these short courses will be customised, if given a go ahead, we would first seek profiles of the target participants and according to their needs, the course material will be designed or modified,&quot; he added.</p>

<p>Siddharth Shasta, an associate professor in the FTII&#39;s acting department and the coordinator of the short course for the Nepalese actors, said their core staff will not be working on these training programmes.</p>

<p>&quot;We have trained resources in the form of our alumni and they have been given the responsibility to conduct such courses,&quot; he said.</p>

<p>Right now, the 20 actors, aged between 25 and 35, who have taken up the course at the FTII, are all established names in the Nepal&#39;s film industry.</p>

<p>Some of these actors belong to families traditionally associated with the Nepalese film industry and others have worked in TV serials, commercials, music videos and theatre, Shasta said.</p>

<p>Nepalese actor Sabina Gopali, currently undergoing the course at the FTII, said she is confident that the training programme will benefit her in professional and personal life.</p>

<p>Another Nepalese film actor, Kamal Raj Bhatta, said he never came across such methods of acting in his country.</p>

<p>He is hopeful that the course will enhance his acting skills.&nbsp;</p>


The FTII has requested the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to identify countries from where it can invite artists and technicians to take help of the prestigious institute's expertise in film training and education

The city-based Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) wants artists and technicians from movie industries across the globe to come here and use its expertise to hone their skills. The FTII has requested the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to identify countries from where it can invite artists and technicians to take help of the prestigious institute's expertise in film training and education. In the last nine months, the FTII has successfully conducted several short-term courses, like film appreciation, screen acting, digital cinematography, screenplay writing and fiction writing, in various institutions across the country for the film and TV industries, said the institute's director, Bhupendra Kainthola. "Besides, a group of 20 actors from Nepal has been undergoing a short course in 'screen acting' here in the institute, which is the first initiative one of its kind by the Ministry of External Affairs," he said. The FTII is regarded as a centre of excellence across the world and the films made by its students have been well received in festivals in India and abroad, apart from winning various national and international awards, he said. The institute has a long list of prominent alumni, including filmmakers Adoor Gopalakrishnan, Girish Kasaravalli and Vidhu Vinod Chopra, and actors Om Puri, Naseeruddin Shah, Jaya Bachchan and Shabana Azmi. "The FTII alumni have left an indelible imprint on all facets of the Indian cinema and television and have built an excellent reputation worldwide too," the director said. "With these strengths, we now want to go international and have a global footprint," he said. "We have approached the MEA and expressed our willingness to conduct short courses for artists and technicians from other countries, specially in Asia and Africa," he said. He said, "When we talk of India's soft power, then not only cinema but (aspects like) film education, film learning?and film training ought to be a part of?the canvas." "We have designed a lot of courses and trained our alumni as the resource persons and we are confident of taking a leap overseas and helping the film industries abroad with our expertise," he said. Kainthola said the Indian embassy in Nepal had approached the FTII to consider facilitating a short course for some of the actors from the Himalayan nation. With the help of the MEA, the 20-day course in 'screen acting' for 20 actors - 12 male and eight female - from Nepal started recently, he said. "It is up to the MEA which countries to choose. If we get a green signal, we will barely need a month's time to finalise the nitty-gritty of the project," Kainthola said. "Since all these short courses will be customised, if given a go ahead, we would first seek profiles of the target participants and according to their needs, the course material will be designed or modified," he added. Siddharth Shasta, an associate professor in the FTII's acting department and the coordinator of the short course for the Nepalese actors, said their core staff will not be working on these training programmes. "We have trained resources in the form of our alumni and they have been given the responsibility to conduct such courses," he said. Right now, the 20 actors, aged between 25 and 35, who have taken up the course at the FTII, are all established names in the Nepal's film industry. Some of these actors belong to families traditionally associated with the Nepalese film industry and others have worked in TV serials, commercials, music videos and theatre, Shasta said. Nepalese actor Sabina Gopali, currently undergoing the course at the FTII, said she is confident that the training programme will benefit her in professional and personal life. Another Nepalese film actor, Kamal Raj Bhatta, said he never came across such methods of acting in his country. He is hopeful that the course will enhance his acting skills.

FTII keen to go global, train foreign actors & technicians

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