Actor Naseeruddin Shah has sparked a controversy with his comments about rising intolerance in the country. In an apparent reference to the recent Bulandshahr mob violence, actor Naseeruddin Shah said the death of a cow is being given more significance than the killing of a policeman. Shah became the centre of heated debates after he said he was anxious about his children in today's India and that the poison had spread.
"I feel anxious for my children because tomorrow if a mob surrounds them and asks, 'Are you a Hindu or a Muslim?' they will have no answer. It worries me that I don't see the situation improving anytime soon,” he had said.
As the comments kicked up a row, the Congress backed the veteran actor. The Congress tweeted from its official handle: “We concur, do not fear the hate, fight it.” Speaking to reporters, Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan hit out at the BJP and said that secular citizens were living in an atmosphere of fear.
Wondering why his comments on mob violence were being misconstrued with some people calling him a "traitor", Shah said on Friday that he spoke as a "worried Indian" and has the right to express concerns about the country he loves.
"I have to bear criticism. If they have the right to criticise, then I also have the same right. I am expressing concerns about the country I love, the country that is my home. How is that a crime?" he asked.
-with inputs from PTI
