Naseeruddin Shah's Bold Stand: The Actor Embraces 'Dimagi Naxal' Label Amid Political Turmoil

Naseeruddin Shah has stirred controversy with his recent remarks against the government, proudly identifying as a 'Dimagi Naxal' in a video shared on Facebook. His comments come in the wake of ongoing protests at the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute, where he has criticized the BJP for its treatment of dissenters. As student protests gain momentum nationwide, Shah's statements have sparked discussions about political freedom and the role of youth in activism. This article delves into Shah's bold stance and the broader implications of his remarks in the current political climate.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 28, 2026, 16:03 IST

Naseeruddin Shah's Provocative Remarks

Mumbai: Esteemed actor Naseeruddin Shah has once again voiced his criticism of the government. On Wednesday, he shared a video on Facebook where he addressed viewers directly.

In this video, he showcased his badge labeled 'Dimagi Naxal', a term introduced by Prime Minister Modi during his Independence Day speech in August, following the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan due to public outcry.

Shah drew comparisons to past protests at JNU, referring to labels such as 'anti-national' and 'tukde-tukde gang'.

He boldly declared, “I take pride in being a Dimagi Naxal. Besides this title, I am unsure what else the chowkidar has labeled individuals like me—anti-national, tukde-tukde gang, and more. If there exists a tukde-tukde gang in this nation, it is this illegitimate government.”

This statement follows his previous comments regarding the political strife at the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI), where he accused the BJP of retaliating against dissenters and called for public support for the students.

For context, the political unrest at Kolkata's SRFTI began after clashes on September 27, 2026, between students and members of the RSS-affiliated Akhil Bharatiya Grahak Panchayat during a campus event. The situation escalated with protests and alleged assaults, leading students to demand the resignation of Vice-Chancellor Santosh Ajmera for failing to ensure their safety.

The institute subsequently suspended six students for alleged misconduct, a decision contested by the students' union. Shah, along with filmmakers Payal Kapadia and Anand Patwardhan, expressed solidarity with the protesters. The BJP criticized Shah's comments, while the administration claimed that external influences had politicized the situation.

On a national scale, student protests have gained traction as the online group Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) ramped up its demands for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. This youth-led movement is challenging the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, alleging that it has disenfranchised millions. Both the Election Commission and the BJP have refuted claims of manipulation.

The CJP is also advocating for electoral reforms and an independent investigation into alleged irregularities in voter-list updates. During a special hearing on Sunday, the Apex Court confirmed that no protestors would be detained, and public transport would return to normal.