: Bollywood actor Anupam Kher, during the screening of his film in Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) on Friday, questioned how one who “speaks ill” of the country can be celebrated like he was an Olympic medal winner.
Without directly naming JNUSU president Kanhaiya Kumar, Mr. Kher, who has been critical of the JNU issue, said: “He is out on bail, he hasn’t come back with a medal from Olympics that he should be accorded such huge welcome”.
Mr. Kher was in the campus for the screening of his movie “Buddha in a traffic jam”, facilitated by ABVP’s Saurabh Sharma, under the banner of JNUSU.
“One who talks ill of the country, how can he be celebrated as hero? Has he got an Olympic medal? He is out on bail. He is not Sachin, Saina or Hanumanathappa,” Mr. Kher said, without naming Mr. Kumar.
“He said that he comes from a poor family but my question is what did you contribute to remove their poverty? My father’s salary was Rs. 90 when I got my first scholarship of Rs. 200 and I had sent Rs. 110 to my family. What did you do,” he asked.
The screening of Mr. Kher’s film went on amid shouting of slogans by Left-affiliated groups.
Mr. Kher had earlier alleged that JNU refused to screen his film considering the present atmosphere at the campus, a charge denied by the university.
Further attacking the student leader, Mr. Kher asked: “You talk about everything that according to you is wrong in the country. But what did you contribute to the nation other than your criticism?
“Let’s not talk about what is not working in the country but what is happening in the country. You are here to study and not do politics and even if you are doing it, don't do any politics against the country,” he said.
Lauding Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Mr. Kher said: “It is after years that we have got such a good PM. We are also trying to get you all back on the road to revolution and patriotism”.
Mr. Kher also referred to himself as a true Indian. “The India in me will always be alive. I am not old. I am like our country who will get younger with times,” he said.
