Union Minister Kiren Rijiju has criticised veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah after the actor posted a video supporting student protests at Jamia Millia Islamia University in New Delhi and described himself as a “dimagi naxal”.
In a post on social media platform X on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, Rijiju called Shah a “dangerous urban dimagi naxal” and described his views as “extremely harmful” to Indian democracy.
The Minister for Minority Affairs also said that he had previously respected the actor but claimed he had come to know his “real character” only later.
Shah's Facebook video expressed support for Jamia Millia Islamia students who have been protesting to demand the restoration of the university's students' union. In the video, the actor also accused the Centre of attempting to destroy the education system.
The minister's response has brought the controversy into the wider political debate, highlighting differing views on student activism, government policies and freedom of expression.
While Rijiju strongly condemned Shah's remarks, the actor used his video to draw attention to the students' demands and express his concerns about education in India.
The episode has sparked renewed discussion about the role of public figures in political debates and the relationship between student movements and the government. The statements reflect the contrasting positions taken by the minister and the actor on the issues surrounding the protests.
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