'You always talk one-sidedly': Gajendra Chauhan slams Naseeruddin Shah over SRFTI protest remarks

Actor Gajendra Chauhan criticised veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah for his remarks about the ongoing student protest at the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI). Gajendra objected to Naseeruddin’s criticism of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He urged the veteran actor to offer constructive advice instead of attacking the government. Gajendra also emphasised that dialogue between students and the institute’s administration was necessary to resolve the dispute.Gajendra Chauhan reacts to Naseeruddin Shah’s remarksWhile speaking to IANS, Gajendra expressed disappointment over Naseeruddin’s description of the ruling party as a "bloody jhooti party". "It is a very sad thing. A party that has been ruling the country for the last 12-13 years, you called it a 'bloody jhooti party'. You should be ashamed. 140 crore people of the country have made that party sit at the top, and you are abusing it."Accuses Naseeruddin Shah of presenting one-sided viewsWhile acknowledging Naseeruddin’s standing as an artist, Gajendra said he believed the actor should consider different perspectives when discussing political matters. He claimed that Naseeruddin’s social media posts and videos frequently presented only one side of an issue."You are a great artist. You are a good human being. But I have always seen that in your tweets, in your videos, you always talk one-sidedly. You never look at both sides of the coin," he added.Urges dialogue to resolve SRFTI student protestTurning to the developments at SRFTI, Gajendra said the institute’s administration was capable of addressing the students’ concerns. He acknowledged their right to protest but argued that an indefinite agitation would not necessarily resolve the matter without discussions between the parties involved."If there is a strike in SRFTI, the administration there will look into it. There are capable people sitting there. It is a student's right to protest, but there is no result to protest unless you sit together and talk. You should advise the students, instead of criticizing the government there, which has worked so hard. Our workers, our politicians have worked so hard and won and have removed such people from power, who were not doing anything for people. The rest is up to you. You are a great artist. Just be a little positive," he shared.Naseeruddin Shah accuses the ruling party of targeting criticsGajendra’s comments came after Naseeruddin spoke out about the student agitation on Saturday, as reported by IANS. The veteran actor alleged that the ruling party was taking "revenge" on people who did not agree with its beliefs and policies. He described the students protesting at SRFTI as the latest group to face such treatment.Reportedly, the students at the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute are currently holding an indefinite sit-in demanding the resignation of their Vice-Chancellor. The protest follows a recent confrontation between students and members of the Akhil Bharatiya Grahak Panchayat (ABGP), a consumer awareness organisation affiliated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).The agitation has drawn attention to the students’ demands and the institute’s response. Gajendra has maintained that the administration should be allowed to address the concerns through dialogue, while Naseeruddin has criticised what he sees as political retaliation against those who oppose the ruling party.Get the latest Bollywood & Entertainment News, and more. Download the TOI app.Give your child the gift of confidence! Claim your exclusive TOI Masterclass spot today!