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NASEER INSPIRED BY YOUNGSTERS
Naseeruddin Shah says that the energy of talented youngsters rubs off on him
From a satire like Aakrosh (1980) to a big-ticket multistarrer like Main Hoon Na (2004) — Naseeruddin Shah has managed a steady balance between mainstream cinema and offbeat, indie films. His latest, Charlie Kay Chakkar Main, is a small-budget film that primarily stars newcomers. The 65-year-old talks about being inspired by younger artistes, and more...
You do commercial films like Welcome Back, and also small-budget projects like your upcoming movie. What are your reasons for doing this?
While some films are made in difficult situations and with small budgets, others have a lot of money invested in them. I have been part of both kinds of films from the beginning of my career. While I do some of them keeping in mind the money being offered to me — just like everyone is working for money — I also feel a responsibility, to be part of movies that are not based on any formula, and are original.
You’ve always supported theatre actors entering Bollywood...
I am glad to see a vast number of young, talented girls and boys entering films. It is inspiring to work with them. Most of them are skillful and technically ahead, as compared to how informed actors of my generation were at that age. Even while working on my next, I was touched by the idea of youngsters trying to make a thriller under extremely tough conditions, and with a small budget.
Many people are of the opinion that it is easier for star kids to enter the film industry. What is your take on this?
Star kids have it easy, but again, no one can escape struggle in Bollywood. These kids might get an easy start, but over a period of time, every creative person has to go through heartbreaking struggle to achieve success.