Anupam Kher Breaks Silence On Ram Mandir Trolling; Blames Online 'Ecosystem' For Reviving 6-Year-Old Naseeruddin Shah 'Clown' Feud

Veteran Bollywood actor Anupam Kher has addressed intense online trolling following his recent comments about the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. The actor revealed that an online "ecosystem" had formed to target him, leading to a six-year-old video of fellow actor Naseeruddin Shah calling him a "clown" resurfacing on social media. Kher clarified that the old feud is long over, stating that he and Shah have since met, hugged, and maintained mutual respect.

The controversy reignited after Kher shared his experiences from a recent visit to the Ram Janmabhoomi temple in Ayodhya. According to Kher, his public statements did not align with certain agendas, prompting critics to look for ways to damage his reputation. When fresh material could not be found, an old interview clip of Shah was circulated online to fuel a narrative of an ongoing rivalry. Naseeruddin Shah Draws BJP’s Ire After Social Media Post in Support of Diljit Dosanjh’s Film ‘Sardarji 3’; Ram Kadam Calls Veteran Actor ‘Anti-Hindu’, Demands Public Apology.

In the resurfaced video, Shah had heavily criticized Kher's vocal political stances, calling him a "clown" and suggesting his contemporaries could attest to his sycophantic nature. Kher dismissed the sudden viral resurgence of the clip, noting that he had already addressed and moved past the remarks when they were first made years ago.

Responding firmly to the online backlash, the Saaransh actor questioned the motives of his detractors. "Whatever I have achieved, I have earned through my own hard work," Kher said, adding, "Why are you threatened by my shadow?" He stated that self-made individuals are not easily shaken by online abuse, sharing a lesson from his father that unaccepted abuse simply returns to the person who uttered it. Prakash Raj Says ‘Have Some Shame’ As Video of Naseeruddin Shah Being ‘Confronted’ by Reporter Goes Viral (View Post).

Currently shooting for a film in Ayodhya, Kher expressed that the spiritual environment of the city continues to inspire him to speak the truth. He concluded by stating that he remains unaffected by the digital hostility and is focusing entirely on his ongoing professional commitments.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 13, 2026 11:31 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).