By Tanveer Zaidi (Actor – Author – Educationist)
Naseeruddin Shah, a name synonymous with acting excellence, artistic integrity, and unmatched versatility. Widely regarded as the “God of Acting”, Shah’s illustrious career spans decades, bridging the worlds of commercial Bollywood and parallel cinema with effortless finesse.
From his debut in the 1970s to his recent critically acclaimed roles, Naseer Sahab has consistently redefined the art of performance. His characters are not just played — they are lived, rendered with such authenticity that audiences often forget they are watching an actor. It’s this quality that has earned him the admiration of his peers and the unwavering love of cinephiles.
Veteran actor Om Puri, a friend and frequent collaborator, once summed up the awe with which Shah is regarded in the industry:
“I am not scared of sharing screen space with any actor except Naseer. He surprises me every time with his amazing acting skills.”
His immense range — from intense leads in films like Sparsh, Aakrosh, and Paar to unforgettable roles in films like Masoom, Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro, and Sarfarosh — has proven his mastery over both dramatic gravitas and comedic timing.
Even Aamir Khan, known for his pursuit of perfection, said during the making of Sarfarosh:
“People say I’m a perfectionist, but if you want to witness true perfection in art and craft, just watch Naseer Sahab.”
The reverence doesn’t stop there. The late Irrfan Khan, himself one of India’s most respected actors, once beautifully remarked:
“He’s not that old, but it feels like he’s our teacher — the one we’ve been learning from forever. He lives in me like blood in my veins.”
Indeed, Shah’s work has profoundly influenced generations of actors. From Manoj Bajpayee, who often calls him the “God of acting”, to Shahid Kapoor, who once shared:
“My parents told me — watch Dilip Kumar and Naseeruddin Shah’s films if you want to learn acting.”
Legendary poet, lyricist, and filmmaker Gulzar once said:
“Naseeruddin Shah brought art into mainstream cinema. He is an excellent actor — the topmost actor of India’s meaningful films.”