Naseeruddin Shah reveals hilarious reason for choosing acting over ‘respectable’ job and it’s not what you’d expect

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As a seasoned lifestyle guide, I can’t help but admire the extraordinary talent that Bollywood legend, Naseeruddin Shah, has graced us with over the years. His performances have not only captivated audiences, but they’ve also carved out a unique and cherished niche in our hearts. Interestingly enough, this esteemed actor once revealed that his parents had aspirations for him to pursue a ‘respectable’ career, like medicine. However, he confessed that the world of acting was where he found his calling, as he admittedly wasn’t proficient in anything else.

In an interview with Aadyam Theatre, Naseeruddin Shah recounted that his father had hoped he would become a doctor or some other respectable professional.

Apart from discussing his acting career, the actor casually mentioned that he hails from a traditionally strict family and boasted about the talented thespians in his lineage. Remarkably, one of his grandmothers was known for her impressive acting skills, as she convincingly feigned blindness.

Naseeruddin Shah revealed that he started going to theaters and watching movies at a very young age, thanks to his father who was a deputy collector, allowing them the freedom to do so whenever they desired. He also mentioned that his father frequently took them to theaters as a means of encouraging them to leave their house more often.

In simpler terms, Naseeruddin Shah reminisced about his first play, stating that he saw it while still in school, and it was nothing short of enchanting for him. Essentially, this means that the actor is reflecting on an experience from his childhood, where he watched a play that left a profound impression on him.

Speaking on his decision to pursue acting, he explained, “Since I wasn’t skilled at much else, I opted for acting as a career. I could play cricket fairly well, but that was the extent of my talents.

Naseeruddin Shah went on to share an interesting fact: when watching movies, he would often mimic famous stars like Spencer Tracy and Anthony Quinn, feeling quite confident in his abilities. He also disclosed that despite his father’s wishes for him to pursue a career in science, he was able to enroll at an arts college after being unable to secure admission anywhere in the science field.

As a passionate devotee looking back, I remember my school years, when a revered figure inspired me to embrace the world of acting. I started participating in plays at school, secretly nurturing this passion without sharing it with my parents. Remarkably, even the tokens of my success – the trophies – remained concealed from them. Eventually, after many years had passed, they discovered this hidden facet of mine.

As an ardent admirer looking back on my journey, I can’t help but reflect on the unique dynamics between me and my parents, especially my dad, when I chose the path of acting. My mom, ever supportive, gradually warmed up to my decision, while my father, a stalwart in his own right, remained steadfast in his disapproval.

I remember vividly that he never graced my drama school visits, perhaps troubled by the concept of a mixed hostel. It wasn’t until I started earning from my debut film that I saw the tiniest crack in his stance. However, fate had it that he departed this world before witnessing my son’s success, a success that I know would have made him proud, if only just a little.

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2025-05-19 14:38