The clash between veteran Bollywood actors Naseeruddin Shah and Anupam Kher has long served as a focal point for public debate regarding the intersection of art and political discourse.
The relationship, which once saw them co-starring in acclaimed projects like the 2008 thriller “A Wednesday”, transformed into a public feud that peaked when a clip from an older interview featuring Shah began circulating again.
In the archival footage, Shah expressed a strongly critical view of Kher, stating: “I don’t think he needs to be taken seriously. He is a clown. Any number of his contemporaries from NSD (National School of Drama), India, and FTII (Film and Television Institute of India) can attest to his psychotic nature. It’s in his blood. He can’t help it.”
Reacting to the criticism, Anupam Kher released a video response, which he just reshared online, where he defended his stance and challenged Shah’s assessment of his character.
In the rebuttal, Kher remarked, “And now I would like to say that you have spent your whole life in frustration despite achieving so much success.”
Addressing Shah’s critique of his political outlook, Kher added, “If you can criticise Dilip Kumar, Amitabh Bachchan, Rajesh Khanna, Shah Rukh Khan, and Virat Kohli, then I am sure I am in great company.”
Kher concluded his statement with a pointed retort, asserting, “And you know what is in my blood? It is Hindustan. Just understand this much. Jai Ho.”
While the public exchange highlighted a deep ideological divide, the two acting veterans have reportedly since sought to move past the hostilities after a recent encounter where the two embraced at a mutual friend’s memorial service.
