Veteran Indian actor Naseeruddin Shah has condemned what he says are "sections of Indian Muslims celebrating the Taliban's return to power in Afghanistan", calling it dangerous. "Even as the Taliban's return to power in Afghanistan is a cause for concern for the whole world, celebrations of the barbarians by some sections of Indian Muslims is no less dangerous," Naseeruddin Shah said in a video shared on social media.

The 71-year-old actor said those who are rejoicing the revival of Taliban should question themselves if "they want to reform their religion or live with the old barbarism". 

He drew a distinction between what he called "Hindustani Islam" and what is practised in other parts of the world. Islam in India has always been different from Islam around the world, he said, adding, "May God not bring a time when it changes so much that we cannot even recognise it".

The fundamentalist Taliban took control of Afghanistan on August 15 after defeating government forces across the country at a speed that took the world by surprise and caught the US off guard in the middle of its withdrawal. Taliban leaders have, however, claimed that this time they will respect human rights, will allow women to work and will not allow terrorists to operate from the country.