By: Vatsala Gurunath

Born on July 20th 1950, popular by the name Naseeruddin Shah, is one of the most revered actors in India today. He is also slotted among the finest and most refined actors world wide. His powerful performances in theatre are to be seen to be believed.

So it is a long and toilsome journey indeed for those who are dedicated to theatre acting. They may be mouthing bombastic dialogues or getting bashed up by Bollywood; muscle flexing boys for the buck to flow consistently, but it is on stage they seek gratification and retrieve their dignity as actors. Versatility thy name is Naseeruddin Shah. Each of his roles is different from one another. It is impossible to even classify some the roles he has portrayed. And to name some, MAUSAM, ALBERT PINTO KO GUSSA KYON ATA HAI, IJAZAT, MOHRA, SIR, JAANE BHI DO YAROON and NAAJAYAZ.

One can see that every film and every role is different, each one played to perfection. A product of the National School of Drama, Naseer needs no introduction to both art film and mainstream film audiences. He shot into prominence with Shyam Benegal movies. He made his mark with off beat commercial cinema, but has never shied away from the mainstream formula movies either. He has played a variety of roles. Be it a hero, Villain, Supporting cast or a comedian. Who could excel his performance as the eccentric mafia don Mastana in KAIZAD, BOMBAY BOYS, beat the refined class of acting as the ghazal singer who dies a tragic death in SARFAROSH or the confused Lalit Verma in MONSOON WEDDING? It's really sad that Naseeruddin Shah has chosen to stay away from bollywood for the time being.

Shah was invited from Peter Brooks, regarded as the world's greatest theatre director, to act in his production of Shakespearean classic HAMLETTO be staged in Paris and in other major cities around the world. Shah regards it as a god sent opportunity and he also says he has been flattered that Peter Brooks remembered him after such a long period. Naseeruddin Shah has also played and directed English and Hindi plays. This is not unimportant, since many of the most brilliant film actors came to the cinema after a long stint as theater actors. With his wife Ratna Pathak, Naseeruddin Shah continues to act regularly in plays, often at Shashi Kapoor's Prithvi Theatre.

Shah, who has been involved in the production of over 100 English and Hindi plays in the last 27 years, acknowledges that it would be a dream come true for any actor to play the role of Prince Hamlet but has no regret for doing minor roles in the current production.

Recent Stories
Enthusiastic as ever, Helen
Suraiya, the singing sensation!

Archives