Twinkle Khanna Lashed Out At Naseeruddin Shah For Calling Rajesh Khanna A ‘Poor Actor’

One of the most significant names of substantial Indian cinema, Naseeruddin Shah is one of those actors who have always maintained the fact that art is the most important essence of film-making and not the commercial aspect. However, the respected veteran had recently made a comment on another legend of Bollywood, Rajesh Khanna, ripping him off the credits of being one of the biggest commercial heroes in the history of Indian cinema.

In a recent interview to Hindustan Times, Naseeruddin Shah claimed that Bollywood inclined towards mediocrity during the 1970s and Rajesh Khanna had apparently been the biggest influence of such artistic decline.

“It was the 70’s when mediocrity came in Hindi films. That’s when the actor called Rajesh Khanna joined the industry. For all his success, I think Mr Khanna was a very limited actor. In fact, he was a poor actor. Intellectually, he wasn’t the most alert person I have ever met. His taste ruled the industry.”

 

While explaining the process of deterioration in ways of film-making in Bollywood since 1970s, Shah mentioned that the “Godly” image of Khanna had a lot to do with the over-commercialization of cinema.

“The quality of script, acting, music and lyrics deteriorated. Colour came in. You could make a heroine wear a purple dress and hero a red shirt, go to Kashmir and make a movie. You didn’t need a story. This trend continued and I certainly think Mr Khanna had something to do with it because he was God in those days.”

 

Also, Shah didn’t step back to lay it out that the new generation “stars” are not any better than Rajesh Khanna.

“Where are they? Please tell them to put their hands up and I would like to interrogate them. They claim they love cinema, but what do they create? People who just snap their fingers and choose any project they want are insecure. The guys who are financially secure for the coming ten generations are mostly insecure and they will not dare step out of line.”

 

Although, one can’t dismiss Shah’s arguments right away because they do make sense, Rajesh Khanna’s daughter, Twinkle Khanna took to twitter to express her discontent with Shah’s comments on her father.

Sir if u can't respect the living ,respect the dead-mediocrity is attacking a man who can't respond @NaseerudinShah https://t.co/4EdyWmwiNj

— Twinkle Khanna (@mrsfunnybones) July 23, 2016

All due regard toMrShah's reality,mine=a man who loved cinema& did films likeAnand,AmarPrem,KatiPatang thank u folks for all the love

— Twinkle Khanna (@mrsfunnybones) July 24, 2016

 

Producer, director, actor and talk-show host, Karan Johar, who is not only a good friend to Twinkle but also an integral part of the mainstream Bollywood fraternity backed Twinkle up on the issue.

I agree with you @mrsfunnybones…due respect to seniority but this was in exceptionally bad taste and not becoming of a fraternity member..

— Karan Johar (@karanjohar) July 23, 2016

However, when it looked like things had started getting a little ugly, Shah, reportedly apologized according to Mid-day. 

“I apologise to those who were personally offended, my intention was not to attack him (Rajesh Khanna).”

 

Well, a man as big as Naseeruddin Shah is not expected to refrain from apologizing if he finds himself wrong but his claims do make a strong case.

News Source: Hindustan Times