സർക്കാരിനെതിരായ നസീറുദ്ദീൻ ഷായുടെ വിമർശനങ്ങളെ ചോദ്യം ചെയ്ത് നടൻ പുനീത് ഇസ്സാർ രംഗത്ത്. ഷായുടെ നിലപാടുകൾ പക്ഷപാതപരമാണെന്ന് ആരോപിച്ച ഇസ്സാർ, സർക്കാരിനെതിരെ ശക്തമായ വിയോജിപ്പുള്ളവർ വെറുതെ വിമർശിക്കാതെ നേരിട്ട് തിരഞ്ഞെടുപ്പിൽ മത്സരിക്കാൻ തയ്യാറാവണമെന്നും ആവശ്യപ്പെട്ടു. സെലിബ്രിറ്റികളുടെ രാഷ്ട്രീയ ഇടപെടലുകളെച്ചൊല്ലിയുള്ള ചർച്ചകൾക്ക് ഇത് വീണ്ടും വഴിയൊരുക്കിയിരിക
Veteran actor Puneet Issar has responded to Naseeruddin Shah's recent remarks on the government and student protests, questioning what he termed the actor's selective approach to political issues. Issar said that Shah was a senior artist and his former teacher, but he did not share his political views. He argued that while everyone can criticise the government, those unhappy with the ruling establishment should try to enter electoral politics. Issar's comments have reignited the debate over celebrity activism, political dissent and the role of public figures in national conversations.
"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," Issar told IANS. He questioned why, in his view, certain issues attract strong reactions while others receive little attention. "On how many issues concerning the world and India do you remain silent, sitting quietly like a mute spectator?" he asked.
Issar questioned why some issues were highlighted while others, in his opinion, were ignored in Shah's public statements. He also took a dig at what he called "left and Naxal-leaning" ideological positions, saying Shah's reactions to political developments reflected a particular point of view. Issar opposed aid to student groups and demands for the freeing of convicted criminals and imprisoned terrorists. The comments reflected his disagreement with what he saw as inconsistencies in Shah’s political commentary.
Issar, while criticising the political positions of Shah, said that the citizens have the democratic right to express their dissent and question those in power. "You have every right to express your views and speak against the government," the actor said. He, however, opined that those who are strongly opposed to the ruling establishment should think of contesting elections instead of limiting their opposition to public criticism.
"If you do not like the government that has come to power, step into the political arena. Contest elections, win and defeat this government. This government did not come to power arbitrarily; the people of this country chose it and elected it," he said. His comments show that voting is a way for those who oppose a government to express their opposition. "When our country faced national trouble, that time you maintain silence. Selective criticism is wrong," Issar added.
Naseeruddin Shah recently made headlines by extending his support to students protesting at the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI), Kolkata. He also took a dig at the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at the Centre for allegedly mistreating students and people with opposing ideological views.
Political leaders and others have reacted to his remarks, with some challenging his opinions and supporters defending his right to dissent. They have responded to the larger discussion about political expression in the entertainment industry too.