JNU Row, Not Ram Mandir: Why Naseeruddin Shah Called Anupam Kher A "Clown" In 2020.

Clown/Joker" comment was NOT linked to Ram Mandir specifically.

Here’s what actually happened:

THE REAL TRIGGER - JANUARY 2020.

Naseeruddin Shah called Anupam Kher a "clown" and "sycophant"in an interview with The Wire on Jan 21, 2020. 

Reason given by Naseer:

He was defending Deepika Padukone’s visit to JNU in solidarity with students after the JNU violence.

At the same time he criticized Anupam for being "very vocal" in support of the government/BJP.

Exact words: _"Someone like Anupam Kher has been very vocal. I don't think he needs to be taken seriously. He's a clown... It's in his blood, he can't help it" 

The context was CAA-NRC protests + JNU issue, not Ram Mandir. :

ANUPAM'S RESPONSE

Anupam hit back the same day with a video, saying Naseer was "frustrated" and that "substances you've consumed... have clouded your judgement". He ended with "And do you know what's in my blood? Hindustan"

WHAT ABOUT RAM MANDIR?

There’s no record in these reports linking Naseer's "clown" remark directly to Ram Mandir statements by Anupam.

The feud was widely reported as being about JNU/CAA and pro-govt vs anti-govt political stances in 2020. 

Anupam Kher has spoken about Ram Mandir many times over the years and was very vocal in support. But the specific "clown" comment from Naseer came during the JNU controversy.

LATER: THEY MADE UP:

Years later Anupam revealed Naseer apologized to him at a funeral, saying "Sorry yaar!"