Actress and writer Twinkle Khanna has slammed veteran star Naseeruddin Shah’s remarks against her late father, actor Rajesh Khanna.
Shah, in an interview, was quoted as saying: “It was the ’70s 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.”
Rajesh, who acted in hits such as Aradhana, Kati Patand and Anand, was one of Bollywood’s biggest stars in the 1970s.
Khanna took to Twitter to express her disapproval.
“Sir if you can’t respect the living, respect the dead. Mediocrity is attacking a man who can’t respond,” Khanna tweeted on Saturday night.
Producer and director Karan Johar supported her with his tweet: “I agree with you @mrsfunnybones... due respect to seniority but this was in exceptionally bad taste and not becoming of a fraternity member...”
Shah, who is considered one of Bollywood’s most versatile actors, also said in the interview: “The quality of script, acting, music and lyrics deteriorated. Colour came in. You could make a heroine wear a purple dress and hero a red shirt, go to Kashmir and make a movie. You didn’t need a story. This trend continued and I certainly think Mr Khanna had something to do with it because he was god in those days.”
