Naseeruddin Shah recently shared his thoughts on Narendra Modi becoming the Prime Minister of India for the third time after the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The veteran actor expressed his desire to see Modi wear a skullcap as a gesture of unity and inclusivity towards the Muslim community.
He described Modi’s continued leadership as “depressing, but not surprising,” pointing to what he perceives as deep-seated animosity towards Muslims.Quoting former Vice President Hamid Ansari, he told The Wire, “The hatred for Muslims seems to be visceral. Hamid Ansari (former Vice President) said there is an element of apprehension among the Muslims in the country. It is something we just have to get through together, not something the Hindus or Muslims alone can achieve.”
He elaborated on Modi’s fondness for various types of headgear, while recalling an incident from 2011 when Modi declined to wear a skullcap presented by maulvis. “Modi seems fond of headgear. I’d like to see him wear a skullcap someday… just wearing a skullcap would be a gesture. After his refusal to wear a skullcap at a function in 2011, where the maulvis presented him with one, it is difficult to erase that memory,” he said.
He described Modi’s continued leadership as “depressing, but not surprising,” pointing to what he perceives as deep-seated animosity towards Muslims.Quoting former Vice President Hamid Ansari, he told The Wire, “The hatred for Muslims seems to be visceral. Hamid Ansari (former Vice President) said there is an element of apprehension among the Muslims in the country. It is something we just have to get through together, not something the Hindus or Muslims alone can achieve.”
He elaborated on Modi’s fondness for various types of headgear, while recalling an incident from 2011 when Modi declined to wear a skullcap presented by maulvis. “Modi seems fond of headgear. I’d like to see him wear a skullcap someday… just wearing a skullcap would be a gesture. After his refusal to wear a skullcap at a function in 2011, where the maulvis presented him with one, it is difficult to erase that memory,” he said.
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He further added, “But if he does, it would be a gesture that ‘I am not separate from you. You and I are citizens of the same country. I have no aversion to you.’ If he were to convince the Muslims of this country of that, I think that would be a great help.”
On the work front, Naseeruddin will be next seen in his upcoming film Fateh, which marks Sonu Sood’s debut as a director. The film delves into the real-life instances of cybercrime. It also stars Jacqueline Fernandez and is slated to hit the theatres this year.