‘There’s no worse torture…’: Naseeruddin Shah recalls his realization that ‘no amount of money’ was worth agony of tirelessly working

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Noted actor Naseeruddin Shah is recognized for his sincerity, and he recently disclosed the strain his demanding workload placed upon him in the past. In a straightforward discussion, Shah expressed that managing three movie sets daily was equivalent to no other torment in the world. With unsparing honesty, he admitted there were phases in his career when he accepted consecutive films solely for financial gain, a choice he now regrets deeply.

Shah openly shared that his relentless transition between multiple film sets had left him drained. In simpler terms, he confessed that while he was engaged in numerous appealing productions primarily for financial gain, he eventually came to understand that no sum of money could compensate for the torment he was experiencing.

As the actor explained, the stress wasn’t merely about giving stellar performances; it also encompassed enduring routines that seemed meaningless. He vividly remembered how a significant portion of each day on set was frequently consumed by socializing, having meals, appreciating the scenery, and partaking in gossip before truly beginning work.

As a lifestyle expert, I’d share my unique perspective: Unlike me who juggles multiple projects daily, my wife Ratna Pathak Shah has had a different journey in our industry. She recently shared on the Aadyam Theater YouTube podcast that she’s never had to navigate the challenge of managing three shifts a day like I do. Instead, she chooses to focus on fewer projects, which she feels enables her to stay true to her artistic craft. Though she acknowledges that not all of her work is top-tier quality, she strongly believes that unless she gives her full commitment, the final product will never resonate authentically with audiences.

Ratna emphasized that with her limited number of roles, she simply couldn’t compromise on quality. She pointed out that while some actors working multiple shifts per day may be tempted to hurry through their roles, she felt a profound sense of duty to deliver her best when a worthy project presented itself after many years.

At the FICCI Flo Hyderabad conference, Ratna shared thoughts about her marriage, confessing that Naseeruddin’s unrelenting commitment to his work had occasionally made her feel overshadowed in the past. Yet, she learned to accept this over time. She acknowledged his devotion and generosity, not only as an actor but also as a director, and admired the assistance he provided others in helping them deliver their finest performances.

For over four decades, Naseeruddin Shah and Ratna Pathak Shah have been married and have consistently worked together in theater, showcasing their mutual passion for the craft, despite having distinct methods when it comes to their respective acting techniques.

Naseeruddin Shah has given memorable performances in various influential films spanning different genres. For instance, he portrayed a conflicted father dealing with guilt and responsibility in the 1983 film Masoom. In Sparsh (1980), he convincingly played a visually impaired school principal. He also brought complexity to his character as a secretive vigilante in A Wednesday! (2008) and delivered an eerie performance in Nishant (1975), a significant parallel cinema production. His roles in Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro (1983), Iqbal (2005), Albert Pinto Ko Gussa Kyun Aata Hai (1980), and Pestonjee (1988) further showcase his versatility, earning him respect as one of the most adaptable actors in Indian cinema.

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2025-05-19 22:07