Indian actor, Naseeruddin Shah accepts his error following his claim Pakistani’s don’t speak Sindhi anymore and Adnan Siddiqui appreciates the gesture. Find out more.
The veteran Indian actor Naseeruddin Shah found himself in controversial waters after claiming how the Sindhi language is not a spoken one in Pakistan anymore, while speaking about his latest TV series Taj in a promotional interview. He said “They have Balochi, they have Bari, they have Siraiki and they have Pushto. Sindhi is, of course, no longer spoken in Pakistan” the statement began circulating on the internet and gaining views this Tuesday.
Sindhi speakers in Pakistan and even Pakistani celebrities on twitter rushed to defend the use of the language in the country, quite aggressively correcting the Indian actor. Mansha Pasha was one celebrity, as she tweeted disagreement with Shah and proclaimed that she herself is a Sindhi speaking Pakistani. There was an uproar of controversy forcing Naseerduddin Shah to pen an official statement. He released the statement on his Facebook page, acknowledging his earlier statement was erroneous and clearing his intentions and respect for languages/cultures.
Once Again: He Asks If It Is Still Necessary To Crucify Him?
Just In! Pakistani’s have seemingly been quite enraged as one apology didn’t seem to cut it for them. The Indian actor has had to post yet again an another apology on his Facebook account. He wrote: OK, OK, I apologize to the entire Sindhi speaking population of Pakistan who I seem to have deeply offended by my mistaken opinion. He once again, admitted to being “ill informed” but he isn’t not justified for asking if: “is it necessary to crucify me for that? We must say he is still taking the uproar in stride, he quipped: Actually, I’m quite enjoying being called “ignorant” and “pretend intellectual” after many years of being mistaken for an intelligent person. What would make us let it go?
Naseeruddin Shah’s Previous Statement
Naseeruddin Shah surely took note of his Pakistani audiences’ displeasure and was quick to issue an apology. Afterall it takes a big person to apologize and that too publicly with such humility, admitting his mistake with sincerity.
His statement particularly addressed the controversy, mentioning it as “completely unnecessary.” He admitted to his error and expressed apologies for his inaccurate statement. Shah acknowledged how the Sindhi language continues to be one that is spoken in Pakistan and emphasized the importance of the value of linguistic/cultural diversity. “Two completely unnecessary controversies seem to have erupted over things I’ve said recently. One is regarding my misstatement about the Sindhi language in Pakistan. I was in error there,” he wrote.
Mockery In The Name Of Rectifying
At the end of the day, should we take a step back and think if our approach in rectifying people’s and especially public figure’s mistakes is becoming too rash? Do we not react and mock too quickly? Reaction is innate and necessary to bring change but not what is not necessary is, mockery or a cancel culture. The passion and pride for our cultural languages remains quite deeply rooted in us but must we place that before our graciousness and respect? Even if a person, in this case, a veteran actor who has apologized already should be mocked further? Quite distasteful. You’ll know what we mean if you have seen the videos circulating.
Adnan Siddiqui’s Graciousness
Highly admired Pakistani actor, Adnan Siddiqui – a powerhouse in drama and films has shown a dignified response while showing support with his small yet magnified gesture for Naseeruddin Shah’s apology. His reaction reiterates how a mutual bond, connections and affinity is shared among artists even across borders.
“Apologising for a mistake is indeed a true testament to a person’s character and intellect. Naseer sahib’s recent gesture has only deepened my admiration for him. It takes strength and humility to acknowledge one’s errors and take responsibility for them.”
The grace Adnan Siddiqui has shown is exemplary in how we can respond in sensitive situations and when someone has admitted to making an error. On another note, do you think there is a difference between mockery and reacting to correct someone?
Tell us in comments.
