Veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah has reacted to Farhan Akhtar’s recent comments about his decade-old criticism of Bhaag Milkha Bhaag. In a new interview with HT City, Shah said that while Farhan’s response was valid, his earlier statements had been “exaggerated a bit” in the way they were presented.
Naseeruddin Shah REACTS to Farhan Akhtar calling his old criticism “distasteful”; says his remarks were “exaggerated a bit”
“He is right but I think my statement has been exaggerated a bit,” Shah told HT City. When asked which part had been exaggerated, the 75-year-old actor replied, “I don’t think you need to be a genius to figure that out! Read both statements.”
Back in 2013, Shah had sparked headlines when he called Bhaag Milkha Bhaag “a completely fake film,” and criticised Farhan Akhtar’s portrayal of legendary sprinter Milkha Singh. He had said, “Farhan has no doubt worked very hard but building up muscles and growing your hair is not exactly working hard on your acting. At least he should have tried to look like Milkha.”
In another chat with Times Of India, the veteran actor had said, “I don’t care about Farhan Akhtar, and I don’t watch his films. I liked his first film, Dil Chahta Hai. He’s a tremendous person and has so many facets to him. Tomorrow, I won’t be surprised if I hear that he cooked a 10-course meal to perfection. He sings, acts, produces films and writes. I think it’s great he’s doing whatever he can. I’m not a great fan of his acting or his films. But I admire him.”
Recently, Farhan addressed Shah’s old remarks during an appearance on India TV, calling his public criticism “distasteful.” The Rock On!! actor said, “I have known him for so many years. We worked together in Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara. He is a great performer and a great actor, but if you want me to improve in my work, there’s a way to communicate that.”
Farhan further explained that he would have preferred a private conversation over public criticism. “I would have picked up the phone and told the person to come home… But to go in the press and say this, I found that distasteful,” he said, while acknowledging that Shah was entitled to his opinion.
Speaking of the professional front, Naseeruddin Shah will be next seen in Gustaakh Ishq, and Farhan is gearing up for the release of 120 Bahadur.
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