Naseeruddin Shah Criticises Bollywood’s Silence Over Student Protests

Veteran Bollywood actor Naseeruddin Shah has once again found himself at the center of national attention after strongly criticizing Bollywood celebrities for remaining silent on the ongoing student protests in New Delhi.

In a recent interview, Shah questioned why many prominent actors have chosen not to speak about the issue. Using a striking metaphor, he said:

“A dog with a bone in its mouth can’t bark.”

He explained that many celebrities remain silent because they fear losing their influence, opportunities, or personal benefits. According to Shah, artists and public figures have a responsibility to raise their voices when important social issues affect the country.

Support for Student Protesters

A day earlier, Shah shared an emotional video message expressing solidarity with students protesting for education reforms. He condemned the reported use of force against demonstrators and urged young people not to lose hope.

In his message, he said that the future of the country’s youth is more important than political differences and encouraged students to continue their struggle peacefully.

Viral Video Sparks Confusion

At the same time, a video circulated widely on social media claiming that Naseeruddin Shah had personally attended the protest site at Jantar Mantar.

However, fact-checks later confirmed that the viral clip was not from the protest. The footage had actually been recorded outside a film screening in Mumbai and was falsely shared as protest footage. Shah’s son, Vivaan Shah, also clarified that the video had been taken out of context.

Industry Reaction

Shah’s remarks have reignited debate within Bollywood. While a few celebrities have publicly expressed support for the protesters, many leading actors have remained silent, leading to discussions on social media about whether public figures should speak out on national issues.