Bollywood actor Naseeruddin Shah recently came into controversy related to Netflix’s series, IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack. The series revisits the traumatic hijacking of the Indian Airlines flight, IC814, in 1999, and tongues are wagging both with and without controversy for the portrayal of the incident and changing the identity of the hijackers.
The actor is said to be getting a bit jittery following recent court orders over the portrayal of characters in the series. Sources close to the development said Bollywood actor Naseeruddin Shah is perhaps scared after a court summoned the makers of the series to explain why they changed the names of the hijackers.
These include the names of Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh, Masood Azhar and Mushtaq Ahmed Zargar. The trio are reportedly the original hijackers but have been renamed in the series. The move has sparked outrage among many, with some terming it a classic case of Bollywood double standards accused of playing smart by sanitizing historical events or hiding inconvenient truths.
Bollywood actor Naseeruddin Shah fears The Kandahar Hijack may cause Islamophobia
Shah too has spoken on similar lines about the changing values of the industry. Last year, he spoke against the monstrous success of films Kashmir Files, Kerala Story, and Gadar 2, terming them “disturbing.” His words speak volumes about his trepidation:
“I feared that Kandahar Hijack might lead to a new wave of Islamophobia.”.
Bollywood actor Naseeruddin Shah was quoted as saying, “I was deeply disturbed. The whole situation left me feeling uneasy, even after the crisis was resolved.” His words insinuate a greater concern about what might be the possible fallout of such portrayals on the audience and society at large.
The court’s involvement now makes many wonder if Bollywood actor Naseeruddin Shah is really scared. Or is it just the industry toeing a careful legal and political line? Is Bollywood playing smart with changing sensitive details, or does Bollywood have something bigger to hide?
Recently, he is in the limelight because of the series IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack. However, he has developed a glorious 40-year-old career. The veteran actor is known for power-packed performances in films like Ishqiya and A Wednesday. Yet, Shah’s presence lends gravity to the narrative of this Netflix series.
Also, see: Who is the richest Indian actor? Shahrukh Khan is certainly not the answer!
