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Paresh Rawal: I’ll Listen to Honest Voices Like Naseeruddin Shah, Aamir Khan, and Shah Rukh Khan

Paresh Rawal values open criticism from peers like Naseeruddin Shah and Aamir Khan, maintaining strong ties despite differing political views.

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By Himanshu Nag
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Paresh Rawal

Paresh Rawal, a former Member of Parliament representing the Bharatiya Janata Party, shared that he has no issue with his colleagues from the Hindi film industry voicing criticism against the ruling government. He mentioned that celebrities like Naseeruddin Shah, Aamir Khan, and Shah Rukh Khan express their views without any "hidden agenda."

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“If Naseer bhai, Aamir or Shah Rukh have something to say, I can’t discard that. I’ll listen to them because they have no hidden agenda, they have no axe to grind. They’re saying it for my own benefit. So I’ll listen, introspect, and try to improve. It doesn’t make a difference. I respect them, they love me,” said Paresh.

During the interview, Paresh Rawal praised Naseeruddin Shah, describing him as one of the rare individuals in the Hindi film industry who openly speak their mind. “You feel very safe and satisfied around people like these. Otherwise, you can’t keep looking over your shoulder again and again,” added Paresh.

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In a conversation last year, Ratna Pathak Shah reflected on the long-standing personal and professional relationship she and her husband, Naseeruddin Shah, share with Paresh Rawal, emphasising that their opposing political views have never affected their bond. “We’re all from a time when political beliefs didn’t come in the way of interpersonal relationships. This is a more recent trend. But as long as I’m around, I won’t let that happen. Nor would I let it happen to the ones I love,” said Ratna, who has worked with Paresh in films like Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Naa and Hum Do Humare Do.

Naseeruddin Shah has frequently criticised the BJP-led government, particularly over issues concerning discrimination against Muslims. Paresh, who considers Naseeruddin an inspiration, has also directed him in the stage production Sleuth. Naseeruddin returned the gesture by casting Paresh in his 2006 directorial film Yun Hota Toh Kya Hota. The two have also acted together in Mahesh Bhatt’s 1993 relationship drama Sir.

In 2015, Aamir Khan sparked widespread debate when he voiced his fears about growing religious intolerance in India, revealing that he had even contemplated moving abroad to ensure a safer environment for his young son, Azad. Paresh and Aamir have previously teamed up on memorable films like Rajkumar Santoshi’s cult favourite Andaz Apna Apna (1994) and Mansoor Khan’s relationship drama Akele Hum Akele Tum.

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