In an exclusive interview to The Wire, Naseeruddin Shah, for the first time, broke the silence over the controversial citizenship law. He said that even after 70 years, he needed to prove that he was a ‘Muslim’, as well as an Indian and his evidence, should not be denied.
He questioned that he is living in India for 70 years and working there is not proof of his Indianness, so what should he do?
Speaking on controversial citizenship law, Naseeruddin Shah said he was surprised at the silence of Bollywood’s most influential actors in this sensitive issue.” I now fear for my Muslim identity and at the same time, I am worried,” added Naseeruddin.
According to Citizenship Amendment Act, citizens of six religions, Hindus, Sikhs, Christians, Buddhists, Jains and Persians who came to India by December 31, 2014, from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh will be granted citizenship. However, Muslims coming from all these countries will not be granted citizenship.