Rijiju Condemns Naseeruddin Shah’s ‘Dimagi Naxal’ Video, Calls It Harmful to Indian Democracy
The Union minister objects to the actor’s support for Jamia Millia Islamia students and his criticism of the Centre, while Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC also questions his comments.
NEW DELHI, October 29: Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju has criticised actor Naseeruddin Shah over his remarks against the Centre, describing the actor as a “dangerous urban dimagi naxal” and calling his views “extremely harmful” to Indian democracy.
In a post on X on Wednesday, Rijiju said he had previously respected Shah but claimed he came to understand the actor’s views and character only later.
The controversy followed a video Shah posted on Facebook on Tuesday in which he expressed solidarity with students of Jamia Millia Islamia who have been demanding the restoration of their students’ union. The veteran actor also criticised the BJP-led government, accusing it of undermining the education system and weakening the confidence of young people.
In the video, Shah described himself as a “dimagi naxal” and displayed a badge bearing the phrase.
“I thought Naseeruddin Shah was just an ordinary actor. I used to respect and like him,” Rijiju said in his post, adding that he had not realised the actor held views he considered dangerous. He described Shah’s position as harmful to Indian democracy.
The term “dimagi naxal” has recently featured in political discourse following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Independence Day address, in which he referred to people allegedly entrenched within institutions and influencing policies in ways he considers harmful to society.
Shaina NC Questions Actor’s Remarks
Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC also criticised Shah’s comments while speaking to PTI Videos on Thursday. She questioned whether the actor’s statements reflected support for national interests or movements she described as anti-national.
Drawing a comparison with Shah’s role in the 1999 film Sarfarosh, she referred to the characters played by Shah and Aamir Khan in the action drama.
Shah portrayed Gulfam Hassan, the antagonist in the film, while Khan played police officer ACP Ajay Singh Rathod.
Shaina NC raised questions about Shah’s references to urban Naxalism and his support for student-led protests, asking him to clarify his position on the slogans and causes he supports.
Shah Defends Students and Criticises Government
In his Facebook video, Shah said he was proud to identify himself as a “dimagi naxal” and questioned the labels used against people who criticise the government.
He also accused the Centre of attempting to weaken young people’s resolve, damage the education system and put democratic institutions at risk.
The actor’s remarks came amid protests by students at Jamia Millia Islamia, who have been seeking the restoration of their students’ union. His intervention has added a prominent public voice to the debate over student representation and campus democracy.
Shah has also spoken out on other student-related issues in recent weeks. He previously expressed support for students at the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute, who have been staging an indefinite sit-in following violent incidents on campus.
In July, he also criticised the government’s handling of protests linked to alleged irregularities in the NEET examination, expressing concern over issues affecting students and the education system.
The latest exchange between Rijiju and Shah has brought renewed attention to the political debate over dissent, student activism and the role of public figures in questioning government policies.
While the minister has condemned the actor’s views, Shah has used his video to defend students and challenge the Centre’s approach to education and democratic freedoms.
The dispute highlights the continuing tensions between government representatives and prominent cultural figures over the boundaries of political criticism and the interpretation of dissent in public life.
