India loves a good controversy. Although controversies are unfortunate and a mishap, truth be told. But then, who doesn’t like reviling others? Well, agreed that you and I don’t just as so many people still. But then, someone has to pass time, right? And can there be a better way to do so by rebuking Bollywood actors who, by virtue of their profession are already into theatrics?
So, the latest buzz from Bollywood where controversies stand is that Naseeruddin Shah and Aamir Khan have been branded ‘traitors’. And who’s done that? Well, not the RSS as a whole, but leader Indresh Kumar.
So what exactly happened and why such a strong take on two established actors who are not only widely respected for their craft but have also often played characters drenched in nationalistic fervor?
RSS’ Indresh Kumar was quoted as saying, “They may be good actors but they don’t deserve respect as they are traitors. They are like Mir Jafar and Jaichand.” For the readers’ sake, let it be reminded that Mir Jafar was a former Military Commander, who happened to be the first Najafi Nawab of Bengal with support from the British East India Company, while Jaichand, a king from the Gahadavala dynasty, is well known to have conspired with the foreign ‘Ghurids’ (patrons of Persian culture) in bringing down Prithviraj Chauhan.
That told, it’s also worthwhile to mention that this isn’t the first time that Naseeruddin Shah has incurred the wrath of the ‘Sangh Parivar’, as it’s called. The veteran actor, famous for his versatile acting and a marvelous ability to get into the skin of every character had been criticized earlier by the BJP as well.
This had happened following Mr. Shah’s statement that India had turned into a country where a cow is given more importance than a policeman, which is well, something worthy of a debate purely from the standpoint of universality which should mean that all living beings be treated equally and if yes, which isn’t a crime against humanity, what is so profanely wrong in being concerned about a policeman?
The policeman in this context is the late Inspector Subodh Kumar Singh, who was killed in the unfortunate Bulandshahr mob violence.
The venerable NDTV quoted the RSS leader as saying, “India needs Muslims like former president Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam and not like Ajmal Kasab, the terrorist who was caught alive after 26/11 attacks. “India doesn’t need Muslim youth like Kasab, Yakub, and Ishrat Jahan but rather those who walk on the path shown by Kalam. Those who walk on the path of Kasab will be considered only as traitors.”
The above said one might feel that what’s also worthy of debate is what Mr. Indresh Kumar added after suggesting that both Naseeruddin Shah and Aamir Khan are traitors.
He went on to add that the delay in the construction of the Ram Temple is due to several forces at play, such as the Congress, Left Parties, communal religious forces, and finally, ‘a few judges who are ‘delaying the process.’
That said, what do you think? Could the fantastically clairvoyant Mr. Indresh Kumar also suggest a new nickname for the following:
- The West Indies Cricket Team
- Snoop Doggy Dogg, sorry Snoop Lion
- Harry Potter’s third leg (pardon the pun, please)
- The Eiffel Tower