Actor-turned-writer Twinkle Khanna has slammed veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah for calling her late father and Bollywood superstar Rajesh Khanna a “poor actor.”
In an interview, Naseeruddin was quoted as saying, “It was the 1970s when mediocrity came in Hindi films. That’s when the actor called Rajesh Khanna joined the industry. For all his success, I think Mr Khanna was a very limited actor. In fact, he was a poor actor. Intellectually, he wasn’t the most alert person I have ever met. His taste ruled the industry.”
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Not happy with the 65-year-old star’s opinion about her late father, Twinkle took to Twitter on Saturday to express her disapproval.
Sir if u can’t respect the living ,respect the dead-mediocrity is attacking a man who can’t respond @NaseerudinShahhttps://t.co/4EdyWmwiNj
— Twinkle Khanna (@mrsfunnybones) July 23, 2016
Her response was supported by her Bollywood best friend, Karan Johar.
I agree with you @mrsfunnybones…due respect to seniority but this was in exceptionally bad taste and not becoming of a fraternity member..
— Karan Johar (@karanjohar) July 23, 2016
According to PinkVilla, Naseeruddin Shah apologised saying, “I apologise to those who were personally offended, my intention was not to attack him (Rajesh Khanna).”
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Twinkle, who was not moved by his apology, took to Twitter to defend her late father’s work.
All due regard toMrShah’s reality,mine=a man who loved cinema& did films likeAnand,AmarPrem,KatiPatang thank u folks for all the love
— Twinkle Khanna (@mrsfunnybones) July 24, 2016
Rajesh Khanna, who made his debut in 1966 with Aakhri Khat, gave several hits like Anand, Haathi Mere Saathi, Kati Patang, Bawarchi and Aradhana. He was officially bestowed with the title The First Superstar of Indian cinema at Dadasaheb Phalke Academy Awards in 2005.
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thats true !! he was not a versatile actor. he could not do action and dance. only romantic and tragedy roles he was at his best.
Lol Bollywood is so offended when someone calls it out for its mediocrity. Let alone Rajesh Khanna, what exactly is Ms Twinkle Khanna’s talent apart from good looks? Talent never has been any bar in Bollywood, although there are many regional and independent cinema houses in India which do create art and not just ‘masala’.
Rajesh Khanna was a beautiful person and a great actor. He was first super star of Bollywood. Naseeruddin is a good actor too but his talk about a deceased person is out of line. He can criticize movie culture or standards of Khanna’s era but not personalities. Movies are about entertainment and Rajesh Khanna’s job was to entertain public which he did well. Thanks to departed soul for giving us “Aradhana, Kati Patang, Anand, Amar Prem, Safar and so many more.
His presence/looks were enough, didn’t need to do much acting for his film to be super hit!
I guess twinkle has rightly defended the great legend his movies speak volumes of his acting abilities. Mr.shah has no right to call a super star as a poor actor.khanna sahib did not only act in entertainment movies but also in movies like amar prem and bawarchi where he got recognition on his aam roles.
I think she have a really balanced reply. No point in pointing fingers at someone who is not there to respond.
Rajesh khanna was a commercial actor but he has done some decent movies, film making always evolves so I think he accomplished enough to be regarded as a superstar.
Besides naseer made his name with art house cinema and Rajesh was commercial hero.
Still he has done Good roles like avatar and Anand, he was also lot of fun in comedies he did.
Yes he had some big time issues in his personal life and was known for being unfriendly with journalists and media