Ratna Pathak Shah and Naseeruddin Shah are like royalty in the acting world. They tied the knot back in 1982 and are proud parents to two talented sons, Imad Shah and Vivaan Shah. Recently, Ratna opened up in a chat about her career and acting. She revealed a rather interesting point where her view on the acting profession doesn’t quite match her husband’s.
It seems even after more than four decades together, this dynamic duo still enjoys a friendly debate about their shared craft. Naseeruddin, known for his intense dedication, firmly believes that acting is a journey, not a quick sprint. He often says that you won’t find success or quick results in this field. Instead, he believes an actor must commit to it for their entire life.
Ratna’s Take on the Acting Bug
During a conversation with Faye D’Souza, Ratna touched upon the idea of becoming an actor. She recalled a famous line from Naseer: “You shouldn’t become an actor unless you feel you will die if you don’t act.” However, Ratna quickly pointed out that she’s not one of those people. She admitted they’ve had plenty of spirited discussions on this very topic.
“How can he say that?” she wondered aloud. “I don’t think I would die if I couldn’t act!” Ratna clarified that she truly loves acting and finds immense joy in it. She approaches her work with complete seriousness. Still, she doesn’t see it as the only thing she wants from life. She values other aspects of her existence just as much.
Naseeruddin Shah’s Strict Stance
Ratna also shared more about Naseeruddin’s philosophy. Many young hopefuls come to him saying they want to “try acting for a few years.” Naseer’s advice to them is often blunt: “Go and forget about acting. You won’t get anything by just trying for a few years.”
He pushes them to consider the true cost of an acting career. “Are you ready to wait forever to become an artist?” he asks. “Are you ready to endure everything? Are you prepared for disappointments and pain?” For Naseer, it all boils down to that intense feeling: “Unless you feel you will die if you don’t act, it’s better not to enter this profession.” His view emphasizes that true artistry demands an all-consuming commitment.
Passion and Balance Go Hand in Hand
Despite their differing opinions, Ratna believes that both passion and a balanced life can exist together. While Naseer views acting as a lifelong dedication that offers no quick wins, Ratna finds it a lot of fun. She champions the idea of giving importance to other parts of life. It’s a classic case of two brilliant minds seeing the same path from different, equally valid, perspectives.
Naseeruddin Shah’s Impressive Career
Naseeruddin Shah’s strong opinions on acting come from a place of vast experience and significant achievement. He holds the unique distinction of being the only Indian actor to win the Best Actor award at the Venice Film Festival. He earned this honor for his work in the film ‘Paar’. His impressive resume also includes three National Film Awards for his powerful performances in ‘Sparsh’, ‘Paar’, and ‘Iqbal’. His incredible career certainly gives weight to his demanding views on the craft.