Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Aug 12: Actor-politician Kangana Ranaut has launched a sharp attack on veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah over his recent comments on the ongoing student protests, calling him a “fox” while defending her own political stance.
Ranaut's remarks came after actor-singer Piyush Mishra questioned Shah's silence on the protests by students in Jharkhand over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations.
In an Instagram post, Ranaut shared a report carrying Mishra's comments after he visited the Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium in Ranchi to extend support to the protesting students.
“Sach toh yeh hai har koi kisi na kisi ka kutta hai, lekin mujhe iss baat ka garv hai ki main jis ghar (desh) ki roti khati hoon uski rakhwali karti hoon/ uske liye ladti hoon, Nasir Saab khaate toh iss desh ka hain lekin ladte padose desh keliye hain,” Ranaut wrote.
She further said being called a dog could be considered a compliment because loyalty and affection are rare.
“I rather be a dog than a lomdi (fox) like Nasiruddin,” the BJP MP added.
Ranaut has repeatedly criticised the ongoing Gen Z-led protests, particularly after videos emerged in which some protesters allegedly used abusive language against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Shah had earlier questioned the silence of several leading film personalities over the student protests.
“They'll do it when their conscience tells them to. There's a saying: a dog with a bone in his mouth can't bark. As soon as the bone drops out of their mouth, or it breaks their teeth, then they will bark,” Shah had said.
Mishra subsequently responded to Shah's remarks while speaking to students protesting in Jharkhand.
“There is something weighing heavily on my mind. During the CJP protests, Naseer Sahab (Naseeruddin Shah) remarked that the film industry wasn't speaking up during that agitation. He said, ‘Those who have bones in their mouths cannot speak.’ Please forgive me, Naseer Sahab, I say this with the utmost respect, but I would like to ask: who are the ‘dogs’ with bones in their mouths right now?” Mishra said.
Mishra had visited Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium in Ranchi to support students protesting over alleged irregularities in Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) recruitment examinations.
The protests have entered their third week, with students demanding cancellation of the 14th JPSC examination and an independent investigation either by the Central Bureau of Investigation or a panel of retired High Court judges.
Several aspirants have also undertaken hunger strikes. Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha leader Devendra Nath Mahto has continued his protest despite being hospitalised.
Multiple rounds of talks between the protesters and the Jharkhand government have so far failed to resolve the deadlock. The state government has assured the students that their concerns will be examined, while Chief Minister Hemant Soren has stressed the need for dialogue and transparency.