Internet Outraged After Naseeruddin Shah Confronted Over University Snub

Veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah has found himself at the center of a social media storm after a viral video showed him being aggressively questioned by a reporter at the airport. The confrontation followed Shah’s recent public criticism of Mumbai University, which he claims “disinvited” him from a prestigious event at the eleventh hour.

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The Airport Confrontation

While returning from a journey with his wife, actress Ratna Pathak Shah, the 75-year-old actor was hounded by a journalist seeking a comment on the “disinvite” row.

• The Exchange: Despite Shah’s polite initial refusal, the reporter continued to thrust a microphone in his face. A visibly irritated Shah eventually snapped, saying: “What kind of people are you? Can’t you see I have just come in from a journey… I have said to you politely that I do not want to talk about this issue. Why are you harassing me?”
• The Reaction: Ratna Pathak Shah was seen attempting to calm her husband and urging him to ignore the cameras as they moved toward their vehicle.

Backstory: The Mumbai University Row

The controversy began on February 5, 2026, when Shah wrote a sharply worded opinion piece in The Indian Express.

• The Allegation: He claimed he was invited to the Jashn-e-Urdu festival on February 1 but was told late on the night of January 31 that he “needn’t attend.”
• The “Salt in the Wound”: Shah alleged the university lied to the audience, stating he had “refused” to show up.
• The Political Angle: The actor suggested he was dropped because of his vocal criticism of the current political climate, noting that a senior official reportedly said he “openly makes statements against the country”—a charge Shah vehemently denied.

The Internet Speaks Out

Social media users have largely sided with the veteran actor, sparking a debate on media ethics and the right to privacy.

• “Blatant Harassment”: Many users on X (formerly Twitter) noted that “shoving a mic in someone’s face” is not journalism.
• Support from Peers: Actor Prakash Raj reacted strongly to the clip, condemning the reporter’s behavior and supporting Shah’s right to refuse an interview.
• University Questioned: Some netizens turned the tables, asking why the media wasn’t showing the same “guts” to confront Mumbai University officials about their sudden decision to rescind the invitation.

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Current Status of ‘Spirit’ Row

Feature	Details
Event Name	Jashn-e-Urdu (Mumbai University)
Official Reason	Organizers cited “university guidelines” for the change.
Shah’s View	Calls it an attempt to silence dissent, comparing it to Orwell’s 1984.
Next Project	Shah will next be seen in Anubhav Sinha’s Assi, releasing February 20, 2026.