A fresh controversy has erupted between actor-politician Kangana Ranaut and veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah, following the latter’s commentary on Bollywood A-listers staying silent regarding ongoing nationwide student protests.
The exchange intensified after actor-singer Piyush Mishra joined student demonstrators in Ranchi protesting recruitment exam paper leaks and directly questioned Shah’s selective silence.
Evolution of the Conflict
Detailed Chronology of Remarks
1. Naseeruddin Shah’s Initial Metaphor
Addressing the media regarding why prominent Bollywood figures refrain from taking positions on youth and student-led agitations, Shah remarked:
“They’ll do it when their conscience tells them to. There’s a saying: a dog with a bone in its mouth can’t bark. As soon as the bone drops out of their mouth, or it breaks their teeth, then they will bark.”
2. Piyush Mishra’s Counter from Ranchi Protests
Piyush Mishra, while standing alongside protesting job aspirants at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium in Ranchi, called out Shah’s earlier logic:
“During previous agitations, Naseer Sahab said those with bones in their mouths cannot speak. I want to ask with the utmost respect: who are the ‘dogs’ with bones in their mouths right now?”
3. Kangana Ranaut’s Instagram Response
Sharpening the attack, BJP MP Kangana Ranaut reshared a report covering Mishra’s remarks on her Instagram Stories, writing:
“The truth is, everyone is someone’s dog, but I am proud that I guard and fight for the home (country) whose bread I eat. Nasir Saab eats the bread of this country, but fights for the neighbouring country.”
“P.S. In today’s time, it is a compliment to be called a dog because loyalty and cuteness are so rare. I’d rather be a dog than a lomdi (fox) like Naseeruddin.”
Context: The Ongoing Jharkhand Student Protests
| Aspect | Details |
| Primary Grievance | Alleged irregularities, paper leaks, and corruption in JPSC (Jharkhand Public Service Commission) and JSSC exams. |
| Student Demands | Cancellation of the 14th JPSC examination and an independent probe by the CBI or retired High Court judges. |
| Protest Action | Weeks-long demonstrations in Ranchi; hunger strikes led by youth leaders including Devendra Nath Mahto. |
| State Government Stand | Chief Minister Hemant Soren has assured that student grievances will be examined while urging dialogue over blockade tactics. |
