Celebrating 75 Years of Naseeruddin Shah: A Journey Through Indian Cinema

Naseeruddin Shah's 75th Birthday Celebration

Today marks the 75th birthday of Naseeruddin Shah, one of the most celebrated and versatile figures in Indian cinema. With a career that spans over fifty years, Shah has made a significant impact on theatre, parallel cinema, and mainstream Bollywood, inspiring countless artists with his exceptional talent and candid approach.

What does this birthday signify for you?

For me, each birthday feels like a reminder of time passing! I spent the day filming, and in the evening, my children and a few close friends gathered to celebrate. I observed the festivities with a sense of calm, much like a judge watching over proceedings.

What are your childhood memories of birthdays? Were there cakes, balloons, or songs?

During my childhood, we didn’t celebrate birthdays as we were often at school. The most I would receive was a card and a little extra pocket money from home. Celebrations were absent since we were in boarding school, so a card from home was the highlight.

In these uncertain times, what are your reflections on mortality and the legacy of art?

Thoughts about mortality have occupied my mind since I turned 50. Each decade brings new physical challenges, and I wish to accomplish more before my time runs out. While I’m not afraid of death, the idea of becoming incapacitated is concerning.

As one of the top five actors in Indian cinema, which performances do you cherish the most?

When asked to name the greatest writers, George Bernard Shaw humorously replied with 'the other two are...'! Similarly, while I won’t rank my favorites, I hold dear performances from films like Nishant, Sparsh, Masoom, Mandi, and Bombay Boys.

Will we see you in another significant role soon?

Perhaps not! However, I have enjoyed many remarkable roles and am content to engage in projects that I find enjoyable.

Why has theatre always captivated you more than cinema? Are you planning another play?

Theatre, much like a living tree, continues to grow and evolve, unlike films which are final once completed. In theatre, one can explore the greatest literary works, while cinema often relies on less inspired material.

At this stage in your life, what holds the most importance for you?

I value a peaceful and relaxed life with my family, along with some creative endeavors.

When did you realize you wanted to pursue acting?

By the age of 14, I was certain that acting was my calling.

Are there any films you regret, and which one makes you cringe?

Ketan Mehta’s Hero Hiralal stands out for me, as it had immense potential.

As one of the most candid actors, do you ever regret speaking your mind?

Not at all. However, I do regret writing a critical piece on Dilip Kumar shortly after his passing; I should have waited until the mourning period had passed.

We don’t see you on screen as often these days. Why aren’t roles being tailored for you like they are for Mr. Bachchan?

Simply put, I’m not Mr. Bachchan!