Anupam Kher and Naseeruddin Shah, alums of the National School of Drama, have worked together in several films, including ‘A Wednesday’ released in 2008. Naseeruddin essayed the role of a commoner fed up with the incompetence of the governing authorities in the film, while Anupam played the Commissioner of Mumbai Police. Naseeruddin has always been vocal about his thoughts and political views, and back in 2020 he defended Deepika Padukone’s move of supporting the students at JNU, and he called Anupam Kher a ‘clown’ and’sycophant’.This strained their relationship.
In a recent interview with Shubhankar Mishra, Anupam Kher talked about his equation with Naseeruddin Shah. He stated that he had always valued his personal relationships and held great respect for Naseeruddin Shah. Anupam Kher added that he felt compelled to respond when an inappropriate comment was made about him, and staying quiet wasn’t an option.
The actor also referenced the Bhagavad Gita, where Lord Krishna advises Arjun that sometimes doing the right thing matters. “When it comes to your principles, be it anybody, you will have to speak the truth. And I am the kind of person who speaks the truth,” Anupam Kher said.
Anupam Kher also recalled hugging Naseeruddin Shah recently. “Yes, you see changes in your love for them, but we are still friends,” he added.
Naseeruddin Shah vs Anupam Kher: Why the CAA divided these Bollywood stalwarts
Anupam Kher and Naseeruddin Shah’s rapport started getting bitter in 2020, when the latter said, “You have to laud the courage of a girl like Deepika who is in the top firmament and yet takes a step like this. Even if she has a lot to lose. Let us see how she takes it. She’ll lose a few endorsements, sure. Will that impoverish her? Will that lessen her popularity? Will that make her less beautiful than she is? They’re going to come around sooner or later. The only god that the film industry worships is money.”