Earlier this week, the Bollywood actor found himself at the centre of a major controversy over his remarks about the killing of a policeman in Bulandshahr
The organisers of the Ajmer Literature Festival on Friday called off an event, set to be addressed by Naseeruddin Shah, after protests by right-wing groups over the actor's recent remarks on mob violence, according to a PTI report.
Strong protests were oragnised by the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha and other right wing associations for his controversial statement.
The 68-year-old actor was supposed to deliver the keynote address of the fifth edition of the three-day literature festival here. Before the event, many right-wing activists protested outside the venue. One of the protesters also hurled black ink on the poster of Shah.
Raas Bihari Gaur, coordinator of the festival, said, "Shah was scheduled to inaugurate the festival but he did not come because of the protest by some locals over his comments."
He was also scheduled to launch his book in the opening session, which was also called off due to the protests.
In a TV interview, Shah had said that he fears for his children in this country. He has reportedly said, "In some areas killing of a cow receives more importance than lynching of a police officer..."
Meanwhile, the Bollywood actor told the media that he loves the country he resides in. "What mistake did I make by expressing my thoughts?" he asked.
"I am expressing concerns about the country I love, the country that is my home. How is that a crime?" the actor said.
Police officials in Ajmer confirmed that right wing demonstrators did protest against Shah. However, no FIR has been lodged.
TROLLS ASK SHAH TO LEAVE INDIA
Shah became the target of online trolls as well as right-wing groups, with many accusing him of being a traitor.
A mob descended on the site of the Ajmer Literature Festival and resorted to vandalism to lodge their protest.
Criticising Shah for his remarks, Rajya Sabha MP Rakesh Sinha said, "Naseeruddin Shah should first ask Rohingya to leave Hindustan as according to him India is unsafe for him and his family. An artist should not be part of a sinister design of anti-civil society propaganda. His statement shows his low thinking."
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