Naseeruddin Shah has raised questions about why Bollywood actors have stayed silent on the ongoing Cockroach Janta Party protests in New Delhi. In a recent interview, the veteran actor sharply criticized them, likening their silence to a dog clutching a bone in its mouth.
Naseeruddin Shah’s ‘dog with a bone’ remark
“They’ll do it when their conscience tells them to. There’s a saying: a dog with a bone in its mouth can’t bark. As soon as the bone drops out of their mouth, or it breaks their teeth, then they will bark,” Naseeruddin told The Wire, as quoted by The Indian Express.When further asked if he thought people were taking advantage of others’ silence by choosing to suppress their own conscience, Shah responded, “Absolutely, yeah.” He went on to add, “But how long can they keep doing that? Only time will tell.”
Naseeruddin Shah’s video message of support
Recently, Shah posted a video statement on social media, extending his support to the protesters. “I would like to say two things to you all. The first thing is that if an uneducated person leads this country, then his heart will want the whole country to become as ignorant, incomprehensible, and merciless as he is. After completing two illustrious acting courses from the National School of Drama (NSD) and the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), what I have learned the most about the craft is from those children, whom I have tried to teach,” he said.“I sympathise with them. I am emotional, and at the same time, my blood boils seeing how the youth are being tortured by those goons who remind me of the mask-wearing agents in America. Think about your own children too. One day, you will also have to face the consequences of your actions,” the actor added.Shah went on to urge students not to lose hope, saying, “Many people are with you. Keep fighting. I have always expected a lot from the nation’s youth, and my confidence in them has only gotten stronger now. I’d also like to tell the Government, sab yaad rakha jayega (everything shall be remembered).”
Other Bollywood actors who have spoken up
While a number of leading Bollywood actors have chosen not to comment on the ongoing CJP protests, several others including Shabana Azmi and Ritesh Deshmukh have come out in support.
