Naseeruddin Shah apologises after his comments on Rajesh Khanna stir controversy

Twinkle Khanna lashed out at Naseeruddin Shah following an insensitive remark about her superstar-father, late Rajesh Khanna

Twinkle Khanna has proven that she is her father's daughter. She hit back at a remark made by an industry veteran against her late father, superstar Rajesh Khanna, with as much dignity as we have come to expect of Mrs Akshay Kumar.

Twinkle Khanna and Naseeruddin Shah

In an interview on July 23, Naseeruddin Shah had reportedly remarked that nothing much had changed in Bollywood, and held Rajesh Khanna responsible for bringing mediocrity to Hindi films in the '70s. He went on to add, "In fact, 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."

The actor's views didn't go down well with Twinkle, who took to Twitter on Sunday and tagged Shah in the reply:

'Sir if u can't respect the living, respect the dead-mediocrity is attacking a man who can't respond." Soon, #RajeshKhanna was trending, with fans of Kaka tweeting their support for Khanna and her father. She retweeted director Karan Johar's post in which he said: "I agree with you @mrsfunnybones... due respect to seniority but this was in exceptionally bad taste and not becoming of a fraternity member."

Twinkle also thanked Kaka's fans and said: "All due regard to Mr Shah's reality, mine = a man who loved cinema & did films like Anand, Amar Prem, Kati Patang. Thank u folks for all the love."

Shah later apologised for his remark. Reportedly, the veteran actor said, "I apologise to those who were personally offended, my intention was not to attack him (Rajesh Khanna)."

The veteran actor has also taken potshots at Farhan Akhtar, Amitabh Bachchan and Dilip Kumar in the past.

Incidentally, Rajesh Khanna was a lonely man in his last years, ignored by his immediate family and left out of functions. It's surprising to see the instant reaction for criticism against him long after he passed away.

July 18 marked the star's fourth death anniversary.

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