A misleading quote falsely attributed to veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah regarding BJP candidate Kangana Ranaut and Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been circulating online, a fact-check has revealed.
Origins of the misinformation
The quote, purportedly from Naseeruddin Shah, suggested that Kangana Ranaut has issues with every actor except Narendra Modi. However, upon investigation, fact-checkers found no credible sources or records of the actor making such a statement.
Discovery of the fake quote
Upon conducting a keyword search, fact-checkers failed to locate any reputable news reports or statements by Naseeruddin Shah matching the viral quote. Further investigation revealed that the earliest instance of the quote appeared on a parody Twitter account with the handle @naseruddin_shah, dated February 9, 2021. However, it was noted that this Twitter account no longer exists.
Previous instances of misinformation
It was discovered that various media outlets had previously called out the fake Twitter account of Naseeruddin Shah in February 2021 for spreading misinformation regarding the farmers' protests. Additionally, veteran actor Ratna Pathak Shah clarified that her husband, Naseeruddin Shah, does not have a Twitter account, further discrediting any statements attributed to him on the platform.
Clarification from Ratna Pathak Shah
In a report by NDTV dated February 8, 2021, Ratna Pathak Shah clarified that her husband, Naseeruddin Shah, does not possess a Twitter account. This statement came in response to an unverified profile in his name posting tweets about the ongoing farmers' agitation, highlighting the prevalence of fake social media accounts impersonating the actor.
“Veteran actor Ratna Pathak Shah on Monday clarified that her husband, actor Naseeruddin Shah, does not have a Twitter account, after an unverified profile in his name posted a series of tweets about the ongoing farmer agitation on the microblogging site,” read an NDTV report, dated February 8, 2021.
Conclusion: False attribution
Based on the findings of the fact-check, the quote attributed to Naseeruddin Shah regarding Kangana Ranaut and Narendra Modi is false. It originated from a parody Twitter account that has since been deleted, and the actor himself does not have a presence on the platform.
Result: False
Reference links:
Tweet, @naseruddin_shah, February 9, 2021
NDTV report, February 8, 2021
(Disclaimer: This story was originally published by NEWSCHECKER, and republished by India TV as part of the Shakti Collective.)
