Naseeruddin Shah is widely regarded as one of the most esteemed actors in Indian cinema, having built an unparalleled and distinctive legacy over the years. His talent transcends language barriers, as he has excelled in Hindi, regional, and foreign films, showcasing his acting prowess regardless of the size of his role. Throughout his career, Naseeruddin has demonstrated remarkable versatility as an actor. In numerous interviews, the veteran actor has emphasized his focus on the craft itself, rather than seeking mere ‘success’ or ‘failure.’ On the occasion of his 73rd birthday, let’s reflect on how Naseeruddin Shah redefined art and cinema through his work in movies and theatre.

ELEVATING ARTISTRY TO NEW HEIGHTS

While Naseeruddin Shah is well-known among millennials and Gen Z for portraying memorable characters in films like Sarfarosh, A Wednesday, Ishkiya, and Kuttey, his contribution extends far beyond mainstream cinema. His work in theatre has not only sustained the medium in India but has also played a crucial role in shaping him into a seasoned actor. Unlike movies, theatre performances unfold before live audiences, demanding a high level of skill and spontaneity. Naseeruddin, along with Benjamin Gilani, co-founded the theatre group “Motley Productions.” Their Indian adaptation of Samuel Beckett’s “Waiting For Godot” marked the group’s first play, running successfully for three years at Prithvi Theatre in Mumbai. For Naseeruddin, theatre is not just a profession; it is his profound passion for the art form.

INSPIRING A NEW GENERATION OF FILMMAKERS

Naseeruddin Shah’s impactful work in numerous films and series has set the bar high for filmmakers and actors alike. Renowned figures in the industry, such as Anurag Kashyap, Vikramaditya Motwane, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Ayushmann Khurrana, and Vicky Kaushal, consider Naseeruddin as their role model in experimental cinema and bold storytelling. Notably, his performance in Feroz Abbas Khan’s play “Mahatma Vs Gandhi,” exploring the relationship between Mahatma Gandhi and his son Harilal Gandhi, left a lasting impression. While Naseeruddin portrayed the Father of the Nation, KK Menon played Harilal, making his debut in theatrical plays. The veteran actor later reprised the role of Gandhi in Kamal Haasan’s period-drama “Hey Ram.” Another significant play in his repertoire is “The Father,” adapted from the same playwright’s work, which shares a title with the Oscar-nominated film starring Anthony Hopkins. In the Indian adaptation, Aahana Kumra played the role of the veteran’s daughter.

MENTORING ASPIRING ACTORS

Apart from his illustrious career, Naseeruddin Shah has also played a pivotal role in nurturing talented yet underrated actors like Aahana Kumra and Randeep Hooda. His influence stretches across mainstream cinema, short films, television, web series, and, of course, his long-standing passion for theatre. Setting an example for aspiring young actors and filmmakers, he began his journey during a time when arthouse cinema struggled to find an audience. Today, with the proliferation of OTT platforms accommodating diverse and unconventional content, Naseeruddin’s bold choices in selecting non-conventional scripts have proven to be fruitful.