When Naseeruddin Shah recalled the moment he realized that acting was his calling
Mumbai, June 14
One of the most celebrated actors of our time, Naseeruddin Shah, once recalled the exact moment he realized that acting was his true calling.
Speaking to fellow actor Anupam Kher during his chat show, "The Anupam Kher Show - Kucch Bhi Ho Sakta Hai", Naseeruddin Shah revealed that when he was in the 9th standard, he performed "The Merchant of Venice", and it was then that he was sure that he was meant to act.
He was heard telling Kher on the show, "That day I realized that this is where I belong. No one can make me move from this place, no matter what."
Naseeruddin Shah further revealed that his father was really adamant that he should either become a doctor, an engineer, or join the army. However, he admitted that he was extremely poor in studies.
When Kher asked the fellow actor how he came to this realization that he was meant to be in his profession, Naseeruddin Shah shared, "I was a very bad student. I used to come last in the class. Physics, Chemistry, and Trigonometry, I could not understand anything. Apart from literature, I did not know anything else. And there were a lot of good plays in our school for which I was never even tried out because only good students got the role."
After completing his graduation from the Aligarh Muslim University in 1971, Naseeruddin Shah attended the National School of Drama in Delhi.
Commencing his career with parallel cinema, he entered the mainstream cinema in 1980 with the movie "Hum Paanch".
Some of his most noteworthy projects include "Masoom", "Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron", "Karma", "Tridev", "Vishwatma," and "Mohra", to name a few.
His filmography spanning decades includes many more such cinematic gems.
He was even honoured with the Padma Shri and the Padma Bhushan for his immense contributions to Indian cinema.
— IANS
Reader Comments
This story hits close to home. So many Indian parents push for 'safe' careers and forget that some kids have different talents. Naseeruddin Shah proved that following your passion can lead to greatness. His performances in 'Masoom' and 'Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron' are timeless.
Naseeruddin Shah is proof that marks don't define your future. I wish more parents would let their children explore the arts without fear. And to think he was ignored for school plays because he wasn't a 'good student' - that's tragic but he overcame it all.
The way he describes that moment in 9th standard - it's so pure. 'This is where I belong, no one can make me move.' That kind of conviction is rare. His father wanted him to be a doctor or engineer, but look at the legacy he created! Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan both. 👏
Beautiful story but let's be honest - not everyone who fails in school becomes a Naseeruddin Shah. The real lesson is that parents should support their child's genuine interests, not just push them into what society deems 'successful'. He was lucky to find his calling early and stick with it.
Naseer sahab is a true legend of Indian cinema. His humility in sharing his struggles makes him even more admirable. The fact that he was 'poor in studies' but excelled in literature shows that intelligence comes in many forms. We need more teachers who recognize that!
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