Naseeruddin Shah has raised questions as to why Bollywood actors have remained silent on the ongoing Cockroach Janta Party protests in New Delhi. In a recent interview, the veteran actor slammed them, comparing their silence to a dog taking a bone in its mouth.
Naseeruddin Shah’s “dog with a bone” comment
“They will do it when their conscience tells them to. There is a saying: a dog with a bone in its mouth cannot bark. As soon as the bone falls out of the mouth, or breaks their teeth, then they will bark,” Naseeruddin told The Wire, as quoted by The Indian Express.Asked if he thought people were taking advantage of others’ silence by choosing to suppress their own consciousness, Shah replied: “Absolutely, yes.” He added: “But how long can they keep doing this? Only time will tell.”
Video message of support from Naseeruddin Shah
Shah recently released a video statement on social media, extending his support to the protesters. “I would like to say two things to you all. The first is that if an uneducated person runs this country, then his heart will want the whole country to become as ignorant, incomprehensible and ruthless 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 most from the children is what I have learned from the children I have taught,” he said. say“I sympathize with them. I am moved and, at the same time, my blood boils seeing how the young people are being tortured by those macabres who remind me of the agents who wear masks in America. Think also of your own children. One day you will also have to face the consequences of your actions”, added the actor.Shah urged the students not to lose hope, saying, “Many people are with you. Keep fighting. I have always expected a lot from the youth of the nation, and my faith in them has only been strengthened now. I would also like to say to the Government, sab yaad rakha jayega (everything will be remembered).”
Other Bollywood actors who have spoken
While several prominent Bollywood actors have chosen not to comment on the ongoing CJP protests, several others including Shabana Azmi and Ritesh Deshmukh have supported.