Filmmakers being encouraged by govt to make ‘pro-establishment’ films: Actor Naseeruddin Shah

Actor Naseeruddin Shah said on Monday that filmmakers were being encouraged by the government to make "pro-establishment" films even though he felt that the film industry had been insulated from religious discrimination and Islamophobia.

Speaking to NDTV, the veteran actor also said his statement on a "section of Indian Muslims" celebrating the Taliban's return was misunderstood.

In comments that went viral earlier this month, he had said: "Even as the Taliban's return to power in Afghanistan is a cause for concern for the whole world, celebrations of the barbarians by some sections of Indian Muslims is no less dangerous."

The 71-year-old actor conceded today that "celebration" may not have been the right word to use. "I was referring to those who openly made a statement in favour of the Taliban. The past history of Taliban should make us pretty anxious," said Naseeruddin Shah.

Though there is no outright bigotry, the film industry is seeing some changes, the actor said.

"They are being encouraged by the government to make pro-government films, to make films lauding the efforts of the government. They also being financed, also promised a clean chit if they make movies which are propaganda, to put it bluntly," he said.

"In Nazi Germany also this was attempted. Filmmakers who were outstanding, world class, were rounded up and asked to make films propagating the Nazi philosophy," he said.

The actor said he didn't have any definite proof but it was obvious from the big-ticket films coming out these days. "The kind of big budget films that are coming. The big ones cannot disguise the jingoistic agenda," he said.