Naseeruddin Shah, a giant of Indian cinema and never one to hold back, has kicked off a storm after calling out what he calls “Vishwaguru politics.” On top of that, he’s upset about being dropped last minute from a cultural event at Mumbai University. All of this has reignited arguments about freedom of speech, academic freedom, and the way politics seeps into public life.
He Thinks Politics Got Him Uninvited
Shah’s reputation isn’t just about stellar performances on screen—he’s known for speaking his mind. He explained that he’d been asked to join Jashn-e-Urdu, an event by Mumbai University’s Urdu department set for February 1. Then, just the night before, someone told him not to bother showing up. The organizers, according to Shah, didn’t really give a reason.
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What stung even more? People started saying he had declined the invite. Shah pushed back, calling that claim flat-out wrong. For him, it hurt because he’s always loved connecting with students at events like these.
‘I Never Praised Vishwaguru’ — Shah Calls Out the Political Atmosphere
In a statement that’s gone viral, Shah said he’s “never praised the self-proclaimed Vishwaguru” idea, hinting that his ousting wasn’t about his work but about his political stance. He stood by his right to call out the government when he thinks something’s off.
Shah sees all this as more proof that India’s getting less tolerant of criticism. He even compared it to the kind of surveillance and mind control you read about in George Orwell’s 1984. Not joining in to praise the “great leader,” he said, is now almost seen as a crime.
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Freedom of Speech and the Buzz That Followed
Plenty of people have weighed in since Shah spoke up. Some say he’s right and that artistic and academic freedom matter more than ever. Others push back, arguing he’s overstating things. None of this is new for Shah—he’s always been outspoken, whether it’s about culture, society, or politics. His latest comments just spotlight how tricky it is for public figures to talk openly about political issues these days.
Looking back, Shah said he grew up in an India that thrived on debate and different points of view. Now, he’s worried about rising conformity and the sense that people are always being watched or judged for what they say. Still, despite the drama, he made it clear: he loves the country that made him who he is.
