25/10/2026
Veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah has backed the protesting students of Kolkata's Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI) in a video posted on social media, calling the BJP "the bloody jhooti party" and accusing it of seeking revenge, after what he described as a "manipulative victory" in the Bengal elections, against anyone who does not share its beliefs. He alleged that the students had faced show-cause notices, surveillance, threats and orders to vacate their hostels after demanding accountability from the administration. He also claimed the BJP is trying to either brainwash or frighten the country's future filmmakers. BJP MP Rahul Sinha responded by demanding an investigation into the actor's remarks and alleging a possible international conspiracy, while sources said a section of students had opposed the installation of CCTV cameras.