Delhi:
The controversy surrounding veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah’s remark ‘I fear for my children’ is refusing to die anytime soon. After his comment on mob violence raised a controversy, fellow actor Anupam Kher lashed out at Shah saying that there is enough freedom in the country.
Kher was quoted as saying by ANI, ''There's so much freedom in the country that you can abuse the army, badmouth the air chief and pelt stones at soldiers. How much more freedom do you need in a country? He said what he felt like, that doesn't mean it's the truth.’’
Shah found himself embroiled in a controversy over his remarks in reference to the Bulandshahr violence where a policeman was killed in mob violence over alleged cow slaughter earlier this month.
“In many areas we are witnessing that the death of a cow has more significance than that of a police officer. 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 said in an earlier interview.
Shah’s comment soon led to a full-blown controversy with many leaders and citizens on Twitter criticizing the actor. Many accused the actor of being a traitor and a mob had even descended the site of Ajmer Literature Festival, where Shah was supposed to be a guest. The event was cancelled due to the protests against the actor.
"How does concern for country make me a traitor?" Shah had said reacting to the criticism that came to him from various corners.
However, there are a few actors who came out in support of Naseeruddin Shah’s statement. Actress Richa Chadda extended her support on Twitter. She said that actors are tax paying voters and they have every right to express, and rightly so. Swara Bhasker, on the other hand, tweeted, ''Hamara ghar hai, kaun Nikaal sakta hai hamey yahaan sey!!!!” More power to you #NaseeruddinShah sir.’’
