The latest controversy involving veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah has sparked a sharp reaction from filmmaker Ashoke Pandit. In a recent viral video, Shah was seen wearing a badge inscribed with the words ‘Dimagi Naxal’ while voicing his support for students at Delhi’s Jamia Millia Islamia who are protesting for the restoration of their student union. In the footage, the actor openly challenged the government, stating, “I proudly declare that I am Dimagi Naxal. I don’t know what other nicknames the watchmen have given to people like me, anti-national, tukde tukde gang, and I don’t know what else.”
Reacting to the video, Ashoke Pandit did not hold back his criticism, labeling the actor a “compulsive abuser” whose recent public conduct is becoming increasingly concerning. Pandit argued that Shah’s outbursts are not surprising given his recent history of public statements. “When I see him totally distorted, totally frustrated on camera, and he’s trying to vent out his frustration, the more he vents, the more he is getting exposed day by day,” Pandit stated during an interaction with ANI.
Pandit further alleged that the veteran actor’s behavior stems from a deep-seated ideological conflict and a sense of insecurity regarding the current landscape of Indian cinema. According to the producer, the success of films like The Kashmir Files, The Kerala Story, and Dhurandhar has left certain individuals feeling sidelined. “They’re suffering from an inferiority complex. These narratives are not suiting them,” he claimed.
Ultimately, Pandit suggested that Shah’s frequent public outbursts and visible frustration are signs of a larger issue, going as far as to recommend that the actor seek professional medical advice. “I would like to tell him that he should consult a psychiatrist because it’s affecting his mental health. A normal person will not behave like this,” Pandit added. The veteran actor has been consistently active on social media recently, frequently using his platform to support student protests, including the recent demonstrations at SRFTI in Kolkata.