Puneet Issar has criticised Naseeruddin Shah’s political commentary, accusing the veteran actor of selectively addressing national issues. Shah had recently backed protesting students of the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI) in Kolkata.
Veteran actor Puneet Issar has responded to Naseeruddin Shah’s recent remarks on the government and student protests, questioning what he termed the actor’s selective approach to political issues. Issar said that Shah was a senior artist and his former teacher, but he did not share his political views. He argued that while everyone can criticise the government, those unhappy with the ruling establishment should try to enter electoral politics. Issar’s comments have reignited the debate over celebrity activism, political dissent and the role of public figures in national conversations.
Naseeruddin Shah Should Not Be Picky
“First of all, Naseeruddin Shah saheb is our senior. He has been our teacher, he is respected, and he is a very fine artist. But my only point is that when you speak, you should not be selective,” Issar told IANS. He questioned why, in his view, certain issues attract strong reactions while others receive little attention. “On how many issues concerning the world and India do you remain silent, sitting quietly like a mute spectator?” he asked.
Issar questioned why some issues were highlighted while others, in his opinion, were ignored in Shah’s public statements. He also took a dig at what he called “left and Naxal-leaning” ideological positions, saying Shah’s reactions to political developments reflected a particular point of view. Issar opposed aid to student groups and demands for the freeing of convicted criminals and imprisoned terrorists. The comments reflected his disagreement with what he saw as inconsistencies in Shah’s political commentary.
Mumbai, Maharashtra: On actor Naseeruddin Shah, actor Puneet Issar says, “First of all, Naseeruddin Shah saheb is our senior. He has been our teacher, he is respected, and he is a very fine artist. But my only point is that when you speak, you should not be selective. On how many issues concerning the world and India do you remain silent, sitting quietly like a mute spectator? You single out one-sided, left-leaning and Naxal-leaning views and respond to everything from that ideological perspective. Look at these ‘Tukde-Tukde’ gangs and people from JNU. When it comes to convicted criminals in our country and terrorists who are currently in jail, they talk about their release and speak in their favour. If you support such people, then what does it mean to be Indian? You have every right to express your views and speak against the government. But if you do not like the government that has come to power, step into the political arena. Contest elections, win and defeat this government. This government did not come to power arbitrarily; the people of this country chose it and elected it…”
— IANS (@ians_india) October 28, 2026
‘Every Right to Protest the Government’
Issar, while criticising the political positions of Shah, said that the citizens have the democratic right to express their dissent and question those in power. “You have every right to express your views and speak against the government,” the actor said. He, however, opined that those who are strongly opposed to the ruling establishment should think of contesting elections instead of limiting their opposition to public criticism.
“If you do not like the government that has come to power, step into the political arena. Contest elections, win and defeat this government. This government did not come to power arbitrarily; the people of this country chose it and elected it,” he said. His comments show that voting is a way for those who oppose a government to express their opposition. “When our country faced national trouble, that time you maintain silence. Selective criticism is wrong,” Issar added.
