4th June 2023,Mumbai: Renowned for his exceptional talent and acclaimed performances, Naseeruddin Shah stands as one of the most prominent figures in the entertainment industry. His remarkable contributions have garnered him numerous prestigious accolades throughout his illustrious career. However, in a recent interview, the seasoned actor candidly confessed that he doesn’t attach much significance to these honors, humorously revealing his unique approach of using them as handles for his restrooms.
Recognizing his outstanding performances in cinematic gems such as “Paar,” “Sparsh,” and “Iqbaal,” Naseeruddin Shah has been bestowed with three esteemed national awards, further solidifying his remarkable talent. Additionally, his exceptional portrayals in “Masoom,” “Chakra,” and “Akrosh” earned him three coveted Filmfare Awards. Yet, in a recent conversation, the actor expressed his skepticism towards the value of such accolades, attributing their existence to industry lobbying rather than genuine merit.
During an interview with The Lallantop, Naseeruddin Shah was probed about his stance on awards and the humorous rumors circulating regarding his unconventional use of them. Responding with a hearty laughter, he emphasized, “Any actor who devotes their entire life to embodying a character deserves recognition.” He then raised a poignant question, pondering the fairness of singling out one individual from a group and deeming them the best actor of the year. Distancing himself from the pride associated with these accolades, he shared a recent incident where he chose not to personally retrieve two prizes he had earned. Instead, he decided to incorporate them into the design of a farmhouse, playfully stating that every visitor to the restroom would be greeted by these awards-turned-door handles, thus bestowing them with their own symbolic achievements.
“The significance of these awards eludes me,” remarked the talented Ishqiya actor. With a hint of disappointment, he expressed his belief that these accolades are merely the byproduct of lobbying and maneuvering within the industry. Initially, there was a sense of joy when he first received them, but as time went on, the weight of countless medals accumulated around him. It became evident that these honors were often bestowed without true merit or reflection of genuine talent. Consequently, he made the conscious decision to distance himself from the allure of these awards.
Reflecting on his journey, Naseeruddin Shah shared a poignant anecdote. Upon being bestowed the prestigious Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan awards, memories of his late father resurfaced. His father had expressed concerns about his career choices, warning him against engaging in what he considered “useless work.” As the actor made his way to Rashtrapati Bhavan to collect these awards, he looked up and silently acknowledged his father, seeking solace in the belief that he was watching over him, content with his achievements. Although there was a sense of delight in winning these prizes, Naseeruddin Shah harbored a distaste for the competitive nature of award ceremonies.
In his most recent venture, Naseeruddin Shah graced the screen in the second season of “Taj: Reign of Revenge.” The series also features the talented ensemble cast of Aditi Rao Hydari, Rahul Bose, Sandhya Mridul, and Zarina Wahab. On May 12, 2023, the highly anticipated debut of this season aired on Zee5, captivating audiences with its gripping storyline.
-by Kashvi Gala