Actor Puneet Issar has strongly criticized the anti-government attitude of senior actor Naseeruddin Shah. Issar challenged Naseeruddin Shah that if he did not like the policies of the government, he should enter politics and contest elections and get people's votes. He also accused Naseeruddin Shah of taking stand only on certain issues.
Puneet Issar made it clear that he respects Naseeruddin Shah as a senior actor. He said that Naseeruddin Shah is a great actor and he is also his senior and teacher. However, he says that one should not adopt a selective stance while speaking on public issues. Issar also raised the question as to why there is silence on many issues in India and the world.
Issar believed that everyone has the right to criticize the government and express their opinion. However, he said that if one does not like the government in power, then one should enter the political arena and contest elections, gain the support of the people and defeat the government. He also said that the present government has not come to power on its own will, but the people of the country have elected it by voting.
Mumbai, Maharashtra: On actor Naseeruddin Shah, actor Puneet Issar says, “First of all, Naseeruddin Shah saheb is our senior. He has been our teacher, he is respected, and he is a very fine artist. But my only point is that when you speak, you should not be selective. On how many issues concerning the world and India do you remain silent, sitting quietly like a mute spectator? You single out one-sided, left-leaning and Naxal-leaning views and Look at these 'Tukde' gangs and terrorists who are currently in jail. If you support such people, then what does it mean to be Indian? Political arena. Contest elections, win and defeat this government. The people of this country chose it…”
— IANS (@ians_india) October 28, 2026
Issar also mentioned the developments at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), the stand taken in support of jailed terrorists and the demands for the release of convicted criminals. He said that those who take a stand in such matters should express their views about the country.
Controversy over supporting Jamia movement
Naseeruddin Shah had recently supported the students' movement at Jamia Millia Islamia University. Students are agitating to restart the Student Union. Shah proudly called himself a 'mental Naxal' in a video posted on Facebook on Tuesday. “I proudly say that I am a brainwashed Naxal. I don't know what other nicknames the guards have given to people like me. Traitor, Tukde Tukde Gang, and what not.”
He also accused the central government of trying to weaken the education system and break the morale of the youth. Earlier, Shah had also supported the students' movement at the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI). He had said that attention will be paid to the alleged injustice being done to students in JNU, SRFTI and now Jamia.
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