Actor Naseeruddin Shah’s “Dimagi Naxal” Video Sparks Political Backlash

On October 27, 2026, veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah posted a Facebook video wearing a badge reading “Dimagi Naxal” and declared, “I proudly say that I am a dimagi naxal.” The video responded to protests at Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) demanding the restoration of the university’s student union. The next day, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju reacted on X, calling Shah a “dangerous urban Dimagi Naxal” and saying his views are “extremely harmful to India’s democracy.”

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JMI’s elected student union was dissolved in 2006 after a violent incident, and elections have not been held since. Students began a hunger strike on October 12 demanding a schedule for union elections and approval of the union’s constitution. The protest follows earlier campus movements at the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI) (September 27, 2026) and Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). The term “dimagi naxal” was first used by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his Independence Day address to describe individuals he said posed a societal threat.

ABP Live

• Student union elections at JMI have been suspended since 2006.

Am proud dimaagi Naxal: Naseeruddin Shah calls govt tukde-tukde gang in intense video

• The hunger strike began on October 12, marking the 17th day of protest.

ABP Live

Kiren Rijiju said he had previously “respect[ed] and liked” Shah but later discovered Shah’s “real character,” describing him as a “dangerous urban Dimagi Naxal.”

'I Never Knew That He Was Dangerous...': Union Minister Kiren Rijiju Reacts To Naseeruddin Shah's 'Main Dimagi Naxal Hoon' Video

Shiva Sena leader Shaina NC questioned whether Shah’s self-identification aligned with “pro-India sloganeering or anti-India,” invoking his role as Gulfam Hassan in *Sarfarosh* (1999).

The Hindu

Actor Puneet Issar urged Shah to address a broader range of national issues and suggested he contest elections if he opposes the government.

'Fight Elections, Defeat The Government': Puneet Issar Slams Naseeruddin Shah Over 'Main Hoon Dimagi Naxal' Video - Watch

BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia compared Shah’s real-life persona to the antagonist Gulfam Hassan, implying a contradiction between his self-labeling and on-screen heroism.

'ACP Rathod Samjhe The, Gulfam Hassan Nikle': BJP's Gaurav Bhatia Takes 'Sarfarosh' Dig At Naseeruddin Shah Over 'Dimagi Naxal' Remark - VIDEO

• “I thought Naseeruddin Shah was just an ordinary actor. I used to respect and like him... I never knew that he was a dangerous urban Dimagi Naxal,” — Kiren Rijiju

Rijiju calls Naseeruddin Shah ‘dangerous urban dimagi naxal’

• “I proudly say that I am a dimagi naxal,” — Naseeruddin Shah

'ACP Rathod Samjhe The, Gulfam Hassan Nikle': BJP's Gaurav Bhatia Takes 'Sarfarosh' Dig At Naseeruddin Shah Over 'Dimagi Naxal' Remark - VIDEO

The JMI hunger strike continues, with students maintaining their demand for a scheduled union election and a timeline for constitution approval. Government officials have pledged to examine the grievances, but no specific timetable for action has been announced.

Am proud dimaagi Naxal: Naseeruddin Shah calls govt tukde-tukde gang in intense video