Veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah has once again sparked controversy, this time by coming out in support of Punjabi actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh, who is facing backlash for sharing a video of Pakistani fans praising his film. The move has reignited old debates around patriotism, freedom of expression, and the limits of celebrity activism.
Diljit’s Video Praising Pakistan Sparks Outrage
Diljit Dosanjh recently posted a video on social media featuring Pakistani audiences cheering for his film, which had been released across the border. The video showed fans praising his performance—something not unusual, but controversial given the film’s criticism in India and the film’s absence from Indian theatres.
The post seemed to imply that despite the ban in India, Diljit’s film was gaining popularity elsewhere, including Pakistan. Many online users saw this as a provocative gesture. Although the video was later deleted, the debate had already gained momentum.
‘Gulfaam Hassan’ Enters the Scene – Naseeruddin Shah Reacts
Joining the debate, Naseeruddin Shah, who played the iconic role of Gulfaam Hassan—a Pakistani singer turned antagonist in the 1999 film Sarfarosh—expressed his support for Diljit in a social media post. In doing so, he criticized those protesting the film, calling them “goons.”
This statement drew immediate backlash. Critics questioned Shah’s choice of words and argued that labeling protesters as “goons” undermines democratic values and freedom of dissent. Many also accused Shah of being overly sympathetic toward Pakistan and ignoring the broader sentiments of Indian audiences.
Shah’s ‘Kailasa’ Remark Adds Fuel to Fire
In a surprising twist, Shah ended his post with a cryptic line: “Those who tell me to go to Pakistan, my answer is—go to Kailasa.”
This sparked further speculation, as Shah did not clarify what “Kailasa” meant. Some interpreted it as a reference to Kailash Mansarovar, the sacred pilgrimage site, while others speculated it might be an allusion to Nithyananda’s fictional micronation “Kailasa.” The ambiguity only added to the intrigue and controversy.
The Broader Context
Naseeruddin Shah is widely regarded as one of India’s finest actors, with multiple national awards and international accolades. However, his political views and repeated criticism of rising intolerance in India have made him a polarizing figure.
This latest incident, connecting him again with a pro-Pakistan sentiment, has triggered fresh debates on celebrity influence, national loyalty, and the ever-thin line between artistic expression and political ideology.
As social media users continue to dissect both Diljit’s video and Shah’s response, the episode reflects the deepening divide in public discourse where art, politics, and patriotism constantly collide.