MUMBAI — A six-year-old video of veteran actors Anupam Kher and Naseeruddin Shah exchanging sharp personal insults has resurfaced, reigniting one of Bollywood’s most enduring public feuds at a time of heightened political polarization in India. The clip, in which Shah calls Kher a “clown” during a 2018 event, went viral this week as Kher attended the consecration ceremony of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya—a flashpoint in India’s cultural and political landscape. The timing of the video’s resurgence has amplified debates about the intersection of art, ideology, and public loyalty in an increasingly divided entertainment industry.
What Happened
The controversy began when a 2018 video of Naseeruddin Shah surfaced on social media, showing him addressing an audience at a literary festival. In the clip, Shah, visibly agitated, refers to Kher as a “clown” while criticizing what he described as the actor’s uncritical support for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The video, which had previously circulated in 2018, gained renewed traction this week following Kher’s high-profile attendance at the Pran Pratishtha (consecration) ceremony of the Ram Mandir on January 22, 2026.
Kher, a vocal supporter of the BJP and its Hindu nationalist agenda, responded to the resurfaced video in an interview with The Times of India, acknowledging the past conflict but claiming that the two actors had since “hugged and patched up.” He dismissed recent online trolling over his political views, framing the criticism as an irrational overreaction. “Why are you threatened by my shadow?” Kher asked, a remark widely interpreted as a dig at his detractors. He also shared a cryptic message on social media, stating, “I don’t try to please everyone,” amid backlash over his comments on the Ram Mandir and a recent theft incident at the site.
Shah, known for his liberal and secular stance, has not directly responded to Kher’s latest remarks. However, the resurfaced video has reignited discussions about the role of artists in India’s polarized political climate, where public figures are increasingly pressured to declare their ideological loyalties.
Why It Matters
The feud between Kher and Shah is more than a personal spat—it reflects broader tensions within India’s cultural and political spheres. Both actors have become symbolic figures in the country’s ideological divide: Kher as a vocal advocate for the BJP’s Hindu nationalist policies, and Shah as a critic of what he perceives as the erosion of secular values under the current government.
The timing of the video’s resurgence is particularly significant. The Ram Mandir inauguration, a landmark event for Hindu nationalists, has been a subject of intense debate, with critics arguing that it symbolizes the marginalization of India’s Muslim minority. Kher’s presence at the ceremony, along with his public defense of the government’s cultural policies, has made him a lightning rod for criticism from secular activists and opposition figures.
For Shah, the controversy underscores the challenges faced by artists who dissent from the dominant political narrative. In recent years, Shah has been vocal about what he describes as the “climate of fear” in India, where artists and intellectuals who criticize the government risk backlash, including online harassment and professional boycotts. His 2018 remarks about Kher were made in this context, framing the latter’s support for the BJP as opportunistic and harmful to artistic freedom.
Background and Context
The feud between Kher and Shah dates back to at least 2015, when Shah publicly criticized Kher’s support for the Modi government, calling it “disingenuous” and accusing him of prioritizing political loyalty over artistic integrity. Kher, in turn, accused Shah of hypocrisy, pointing to the latter’s past collaborations with state-funded institutions, including the National School of Drama (NSD), where Shah served as a director.
The two actors have clashed repeatedly over the years, with their disagreements often centering on issues of nationalism, secularism, and the role of artists in politics. In 2019, Shah faced backlash from Hindu nationalist groups after he criticized the government’s handling of mob violence against Muslims. Kher, meanwhile, has been a frequent defender of the BJP’s policies, including the controversial Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the revocation of Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir.
Despite their public disagreements, both actors have occasionally downplayed their differences. In 2020, Kher claimed in an interview that he and Shah had “moved on” from their feud, though the resurfaced video suggests that the underlying tensions remain unresolved.
Competing Claims and Uncertainty
The resurfaced video has sparked competing narratives about the nature of the feud and its broader implications.
– Kher’s Perspective: Kher has framed the controversy as a personal attack driven by political bias. In his interview with The Times of India, he suggested that his critics are threatened by his influence and unwilling to engage with his views in good faith. He has also emphasized that he and Shah have “hugged and patched up,” though the timing of his statement—amid the Ram Mandir row—has led some to question whether the reconciliation was genuine or a strategic move to deflect criticism.
– Shah’s Silence: Shah’s decision not to respond directly to Kher’s latest remarks has fueled speculation. Some observers argue that Shah, who has been critical of the government’s cultural policies, may be avoiding further escalation to prevent additional backlash. Others suggest that his silence reflects a broader reluctance among liberal artists to engage in public spats with pro-government figures, given the risks of online harassment and professional repercussions.
– Political and Cultural Divides: The feud has become a microcosm of India’s broader ideological battle. Supporters of Kher view him as a patriot who stands up for Hindu cultural values, while critics see him as a government apologist who prioritizes political loyalty over artistic independence. Shah’s defenders argue that he represents the voice of dissent in an increasingly authoritarian climate, while his detractors accuse him of elitism and anti-national sentiment.
What to Watch Next
The resurfaced feud is unlikely to fade quickly, given the broader political context. Several developments could shape the narrative in the coming weeks:
1. Shah’s Response: If Shah chooses to address Kher’s remarks directly, it could reignite the public debate and draw further attention to the ideological divide in Bollywood. His response—or lack thereof—will be closely watched by both supporters and critics.
2. Political Fallout: The controversy could become a talking point in India’s ongoing political discourse, particularly as the country approaches general elections in 2029. The BJP may seek to capitalize on Kher’s popularity among Hindu nationalist voters, while opposition parties could use Shah’s stance to rally secular and liberal supporters.
3. Industry Reactions: Other Bollywood figures may weigh in on the feud, either publicly or privately. The entertainment industry has become increasingly polarized in recent years, with actors, directors, and producers often facing pressure to align with one side of the political spectrum. The Kher-Shah feud could prompt further discussions about the role of artists in politics and the risks of public dissent.
4. Social Media Dynamics: The controversy has already sparked intense debate on social media, with hashtags like #AnupamKher and #NaseeruddinShah trending on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram. The online discourse could escalate, with both sides using the feud to advance their political agendas.
Conclusion
The resurfaced feud between Anupam Kher and Naseeruddin Shah is more than a personal disagreement—it is a reflection of the deepening ideological divide in India’s cultural and political landscape. As the country grapples with questions of nationalism, secularism, and artistic freedom, the clash between two of Bollywood’s most prominent figures serves as a stark reminder of the pressures faced by artists in an increasingly polarized society.
For Kher, the controversy reinforces his role as a vocal supporter of the BJP’s Hindu nationalist agenda, while for Shah, it underscores the challenges of dissent in a climate where criticism of the government is often met with backlash. The timing of the video’s resurgence—amid the Ram Mandir inauguration—suggests that the feud is unlikely to be resolved anytime soon, as both actors remain emblematic of the broader battle over India’s identity.
As the debate continues, one thing is clear: the intersection of art and politics in India is more fraught than ever, and the Kher-Shah feud is just one chapter in a much larger story.
Story synopsis gathered from: Google News India – Entertainment — [source](https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMikAFBVV95cUxPWGFMRVpJMUlWLUVBS05nb3hIT3YyNFNPNGRIcHFNeGlSYVBXb2ZENkVVT2ZoSTJrWWhnNFo1YXRqb2FBV3d5S2J3NWMtZXhQaGdRVEZNeUMtckY2MWZkeTNiLXZlWWc2VUthODVWcktiUnVZa25Gbkw3RjJSU25iT25ib3lVSTdzQkNHcFhOekrSAZYBQVVfeXFMT1N0UUtLSW9obnhFdFQxZnVHeXpMb2M2Z2ZpZVF6VHJyUWFzVkxuVko4cFZic0xlb1pQWmxyX1NMMUt5UlR3RThXelQ0VWFuVkVXV2NyMnR0cWEtVFdGU3VVSEhvTmFScVRRVzY2c3g4Smo0VEdhaHJVd2hRV1JTMl94SlE5cGJQYjZoM1FDS2ZsV2ZIMl9R?oc=5).
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Story synopsis gathered from: Google News India – Entertainment — source.
