Naseeruddin Shah reveals filmmakers are being encouraged to make ‘pro-government films’, says most films today have a jingoistic agenda – Times of India

In a recent interview with a news portal, Naseeruddin Shah stated that although he has not observed any outright bigotry in the film industry, he was advised to change his name back when he started out. The actor also added that he has no way of knowing whether his decision worked in his favour or not.

Elaborating further, the veteran actor added that many filmmakers are being encouraged to make pro-government films. According to him, they are also being financed and also promised a clean chit if they make movies that are propaganda.

Naseeruddin Shah also went on to say that the kind of big-budget films that are being made today cannot disguise the jingoistic agenda.

Recently, the actor was all over the news after he made a statement about those celebrating the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan. Talking about the same, he added that using the word ‘celebrate’ was perhaps inappropriate.

In a video message recently, Naseeruddin was heard saying, ‘It is scary when a section of Indian Muslims are seen celebrating the return of the Taliban to power in Afghanistan. Indian Muslims should decide whether they want reform and modernity or they want to follow medieval belief systems and values.’

Naseeruddin Shah has been a part of the Indian film industry for almost five decades. He has had films like ‘Nishant’, ‘Aakrosh’, ‘Mirch Masala’, ‘Albert Pinto Ko Gussa Kyon Ata Hai’, ‘Junoon’, ‘A Wednesday’, ‘Mandi’, ‘Ardh Satya’, ‘Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro’ and many others to his credit.