Veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah's comments on mob violence have sparked yet another controversy. A section of people have labelled him a traitor for pointing out about rising communal sentiments in India.
Responding to criticism, Shah said he spoke as a "worried Indian" and that has the right to express concerns about the country he loves.
Shah landed in trouble after saying that the death of a cow was being given importance over killing of a policeman. He was referring to deaths of Inspector Subodh Kumar Singh and a student, Sumit Kumar, who were killed in mob violence in Uttar Pradesh's Bulandshahr district after cow carcasses were found strewn around.
"What I said earlier was as a worried Indian. I have said this earlier as well. What did I say this time that I am being called a traitor? It is very strange," Shah told reporters.
"I have to bear criticism. If they have the right to criticise, then I also have the same right. I am expressing concerns about the country I love, the country that is my home. How is that a crime?" he asked.
Shah also expressed concern over the well-being of his children, who he said have not been brought up as followers of any particular religion. Shah said the "poison has already spread" and it will be now difficult to contain it.
"It will be very difficult to capture this djinn back into the bottle again. There is complete impunity for those who take law into their own hands. In many areas we are witnessing that the death of a cow is more significance than that of a police officer," he added.
Reacting to Shah's comments, UP's Navnirman Sena president Amit Jani said he has booked Shah's ticket from Mumbai to Karachi for August 14, Pakistan's Independence Day.
"If Naseeruddin Shah is scared in India, he should not delay in leaving for Pakistan. I have booked a ticket for him for August 14 - Pakistan Independence Day, so that India has one less 'traitor'," said Jani.
Karan Johar and Smriti Irani
