'Consult a Psychiatrist': Ashoke Pandit Slams Naseeruddin Shah's 'Dimagi Naxal' Remark
Producer Ashoke Pandit reacts to Naseeruddin Shah calling himself a Dimagi Naxal, suggesting the actor seek psychiatric help for his frustration.
A heated war of words has erupted in the film industry after veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah described himself as a Dimagi Naxal. Producer Ashoke Pandit has come out strongly against the actor, suggesting that Shah's recent public outbursts are a sign of mental instability and deep-seated frustration.
The Spark: The 'Dimagi Naxal' Video
The controversy began when Naseeruddin Shah shared a video on Facebook expressing his support for students at Jamia Millia Islamia in Delhi, who have been protesting to restore their students' union. In the video, a visibly agitated Shah was seen wearing a badge that read 'Dimagi Naxal'.
Addressing the camera in Hindi, the actor stated, "I proudly declare that I am Dimagi Naxal." He further criticized the central BJP government, questioning the various labels like "anti-national" or "tukde tukde gang" that have been attributed to people who hold his views.
Ashoke Pandit's Scathing Response
Reacting to the video, producer Ashoke Pandit did not hold back, labeling the veteran actor a "compulsive abuser." Speaking to ANI, Pandit claimed that Shah has been consistently misbehaving over the past year and that his public conduct is damaging his own image.
Pandit observed that the actor's facial expressions and language on camera reveal a man consumed by frustration. "The more he vents out his frustration, he's getting exposed day by day, every day," Pandit remarked, adding that he actually pities the actor for his current state of mind.
Inferiority Complex and Cinema Trends
Pandit believes that Shah's aggression stems from a sense of insecurity regarding the current landscape of Indian cinema. He suggested that the actor is suffering from an inferiority complex because the types of narratives currently succeeding at the box office do not align with his ideology.
Pandit specifically mentioned films such as The Kashmir Files, The Kerala Story, and Dhurandhar, noting that these stories do not "suit" people like Shah, leading to the actor's visible distress.
A Suggestion for Medical Help
Concluding his critique, Ashoke Pandit suggested that the actor's behavior is far from normal and indicated that professional help is necessary.
"I think, in the end, I would like to tell him that he should consult a psychiatrist because it's affecting his mental health. A normal person will not behave like this," Pandit stated.
This latest clash is part of a broader pattern, as Naseeruddin Shah has frequently used social media to champion various student causes, including recent protests at the SRFTI in Kolkata.