DNA (August 11, 2016)

In a conversation with Neville Tuli on Tuesday evening, Naseeruddin Shah was searingly honest, candid and witty, not just about others but about himself as well. The packed hall welcomed him with a rousing applause and a standing ovation. Commenting on the Rajesh Khanna (Kaka) controversy, Shah said that none of those who got upset when he called Khanna mediocre had contradicted him. The industry had criticised Shah for “not respecting the dead.” But he countered, “What respect did the film industry have for Rajesh Khanna when he was alive? He was forgotten.” Various celebrities had challenged Shah’s claim by citing Khanna’s stardom and popularity. However, Shah said that an actor and a star are “two different things”. “There are people saying he had thousands of people waiting outside his bungalow. Does that make him a great actor? Are you saying everyone who has thousands of people outside their bungalow is a great actor?” he asked.