Naseeruddin Shah Says University Snub Linked to Political Views, Denies Ever Praising ‘Vishwaguru’

Veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah has alleged that he was disinvited at the last minute from a cultural event hosted by Mumbai University, linking the decision to his outspoken political views and long-standing criticism of those in power. The actor said the incident left him hurt and angry, particularly because of his deep interest in engaging with students and academic spaces.

Shah stated that he was invited to attend the university’s Jashn-e-Urdu programme and was looking forward to interacting with young minds, a practice he says he has followed for decades. According to him, the university informed him late at night on January 31 that he was no longer required to attend the event scheduled for the following day. He claimed no clear reason or apology was provided for the sudden reversal.

Adding to his grievance, Shah alleged that the situation worsened when the university later told the audience that he had declined to attend the programme himself. He described this as a misrepresentation that not only damaged his reputation but also questioned his integrity as an artist and educator.

Addressing speculation around the reasons behind the decision, Shah suggested that his public criticism of the current political leadership may have played a role. He reiterated that while he has never praised what he referred to as the self-proclaimed “Vishwaguru,” his criticism has always been directed at conduct and governance, not at the country. He strongly rejected claims that he had made statements against India, challenging anyone making such allegations to produce a single instance where he had spoken ill of the nation.

The actor has frequently expressed concern over issues such as the treatment of dissenting voices, prolonged detention of student activists, selective application of the law, and what he views as increasing intolerance in public discourse. He has also raised questions about changes to educational content, incidents of mob violence, and political rhetoric targeting minority communities, arguing that such developments trouble him deeply.

Shah warned that criticism of authority is increasingly being conflated with disloyalty to the nation. Drawing parallels with dystopian literature, he cautioned against what he described as a growing culture of surveillance and ideological policing, where silence or neutrality is no longer acceptable unless it is accompanied by praise for leadership. He argued that dissent, once a fundamental democratic value, is now at risk of being branded as sedition.

Reflecting on his personal journey, Shah wrote that the present atmosphere does not align with the values he grew up with or the idea of India he was taught to respect and cherish. He questioned how long such hostility toward differing opinions could persist and whether creative and academic spaces would continue to shrink for those who speak their minds.

The episode has reignited debate around freedom of expression in cultural and educational institutions. Observers note that the controversy goes beyond one event, touching on larger questions about intolerance toward dissent, the politicisation of universities, and the narrowing space for critical voices in public life.