Naseeruddin Shah is angry, middle-aged man: Javed Akhtar on actor's PM Modi remark

Reacting to actor Naseeruddin Shah's critique directed at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, veteran screenwriter-lyricist Javed Akhtar noted that the actor could have used "civilised language," but argued that political rhetoric has coarsened across society and Shah should not be singled out.

In Short

• Javed Akhtar defended Naseeruddin Shah's freedom of expression
• He described Shah as an angry middle-aged man
• Akhtar also highlighted the lack of civility in political discourse

Screenwriter and lyricist Javed Akhtar reacted to actor Naseeruddin Shah's recent remarks directed at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, where the veteran actor targeted uneducated leaders, claiming that an illiterate ruler would want the nation to become "illiterate, insensible, incapable, and unsuccessful." While Shah did not explicitly name the Prime Minister, his comments were widely viewed as a direct critique of PM Modi.

Speaking in an interview with Indian Express Hindi, Akhtar addressed whether Shah's statement stemmed from a personal grudge, highlighting that such views could have been articulated with greater restraint.

"I do not know whether it is a vendetta or not. I cannot say if Naseer Saab wants to be a leader, but I feel such things could be said in much more civilised language. However, he is an angry middle-aged man, so that is how he speaks. It is his opinion—what can I say?" he said.

Elaborating on the changing tone of public debate, the veteran writer added that coarse language in politics is no longer restricted to an individual, but reflects a larger societal trend compared to earlier decades.

"This change is not just seen in Naseer, but in society as a whole. If you look at present-day politics, that kind of language was not used in the 1950s. Back then, people belonged to every school of thought, be it leftist, rightist, extreme left, or extreme right, yet we never heard such language," he added.

Questioning why Shah alone was being targeted for his choice of words, Akhtar highlighted that harsh rhetoric has become widespread among political figures across the spectrum.

"So why single out Naseer? I can send you the names of 15 far more prominent leaders and the kind of language they have been using. Crores of people listen to those politicians as well," he added.

The controversy stems from Shah's sharp assessment of governance and leadership in the country. Without uttering names, Shah said, "If an illiterate person governs this country, then he will want the country to become illiterate, insensible, incapable, and unsuccessful like him."

His statement triggered intense political backlash, with critics calling out the choice of words while supporters defended the underlying sentiment.

Akhtar, known for being vocal on political and social issues, also delivered a scathing critique of "secular intellectuals" speaking for minority issues and Muslim community leaders. He questioned why it required the (Bhartiya Janata Party) BJP-led government to abolish instant triple talaq rather than the reform being initiated from within the Muslim community.

Beyond his commentary on public affairs, Akhtar’s body of work has consistently reflected themes of social harmony and human endurance. Most recently, he wrote the songs for director Rajkumar Santoshi’s Partition film Batwara 1947 (2026), reuniting with AR Rahman on tracks such as Tabassum and Kahaan Chale Gaye Ho Ram to convey the emotional impact of Partition.

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