Naseeruddin shah age | naseeruddin shah wife | naseeruddin shah son
Naseeruddin Shah is one of India's most celebrated and versatile actors, known for his powerful performances in both mainstream Bollywood films and independent cinema. With a career spanning over five decades, Shah has won numerous awards, including the Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan. His notable works include films like A Wednesday, Masoom, Iqbal, and Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro. Beyond acting, he is also involved in theater and is recognized for his candid views on political and social issues.
naseeruddin shah age
Naseeruddin Shah, born on July 20, 1950, is a highly respected Indian actor with a career spanning over five decades. As of 2025, he is 74 years old. Known for his exceptional versatility and powerful performances, Shah has worked in a wide range of films, from mainstream Bollywood to independent cinema, and has earned a reputation as one of the finest actors in Indian cinema. He has won numerous awards, including the Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan, for his contributions to the arts. Some of his most notable works include A Wednesday, Masoom, Iqbal, and The Dirty Picture. In addition to his film career, he has also made significant contributions to theater and remains an outspoken voice on social and political issues.
naseeruddin shah son
Naseeruddin Shah's son is Vivaan Shah. Born on January 17, 1990, Vivaan is an actor in the Indian film industry. He made his acting debut with the film "Saat Khoon Maaf" (2011), directed by Vishal Bhardwaj. Vivaan is known for his roles in films like "Happy New Year" (2014) and "Rangoon" (2017). He is the second son of Naseeruddin Shah and his second wife, actress Ratna Pathak Shah, who is also a well-known figure in Indian theater and cinema. Vivaan has worked in both Bollywood films and theater, showcasing his acting talent in various projects.
naseeruddin shah wife
Naseeruddin Shah is married to Ratna Pathak Shah, a well-known Indian actress and theater personality. The couple tied the knot in 1982. Ratna Pathak Shah is renowned for her roles in both films and television, with notable performances in movies like "Sarabhai vs Sarabhai" (TV show), "Raakh", and "Dil Dhadakne Do". She is also a prominent figure in Indian theater, particularly associated with the Theatre Group and Theatre Repertory. The couple has two sons: Vivaan Shah and Imad Shah. Both Ratna and Naseeruddin Shah have been active in the arts for many years and are regarded as one of the most talented and respected pairs in Indian entertainment.
naseeruddin shah movies
Naseeruddin Shah has acted in a wide range of movies throughout his career, showcasing his versatility and talent. Some of his most notable films include:
- Masoom (1983) – A heart-wrenching drama where Shah played a man dealing with the revelation of his illegitimate child.
- Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro (1983) – A black comedy in which Shah's performance as a photographer trying to expose corruption remains iconic.
- A Wednesday (2008) – A thriller where he portrayed a common man taking matters into his own hands to fight terrorism.
- Iqbal (2005) – A sports drama where he played a cricket coach, mentoring a deaf-mute boy.
- The Dirty Picture (2011) – A bold film in which Shah played a significant supporting role in the life of a famous actress.
- Katha (1983) – A drama portraying a man who is shy and is in love with his colleague.
- Maqbool (2003) – A modern-day adaptation of Macbeth, where Shah played a pivotal role in the Shakespearean tragedy.
- Nazar (2005) – A psychological thriller in which he played a role that delves deep into obsession and power.
These films, along with many others, showcase his wide-ranging acting skills, from comedy and drama to thrillers and intense character-driven roles. Naseeruddin Shah is recognized for bringing depth and realism to his performances.
naseeruddin shah daughter
Naseeruddin Shah's daughter is Heeba Shah. She is his daughter from his first wife, Parveen Murad. Heeba Shah is an actress and has appeared in both theater and films. While she has not had as high a profile in the film industry as her father, she has been involved in acting, particularly in theater, and is known for her work in the Indian entertainment industry. Heeba, like her father, has shown a deep interest in the arts.
naseeruddin shah biography related QnA
Who is Naseeruddin Shah?
Naseeruddin Shah is a celebrated Indian actor known for his versatility in both mainstream and parallel cinema.
What is his date of birth?
He was born on July 20, 1950.
How old is he?
As of 2025, Naseeruddin Shah is 74 years old.
Who is his wife?
His wife is Ratna Pathak Shah, a renowned actress in Indian cinema and television.
Does he have children?
Yes, he has three children: Vivaan Shah, Imad Shah, and Heeba Shah.
What are some of his famous films?
His notable films include Masoom, A Wednesday, Iqbal, and Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro.
What awards has he won?
He has won several awards, including the Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan.
Has he worked internationally?
Yes, he has appeared in international films like The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen and The Making of the Mahatma.
What is his contribution to theater?
He has been deeply involved in theater, directing and acting in various plays.
What makes him legendary?
His versatility, depth, and authenticity in acting have made him a legendary figure in Indian cinema.
What is Naseeruddin Shah's acting style?
He is known for his realistic and intense acting style, often bringing depth to complex characters.
Has Naseeruddin Shah worked as a director?
Yes, he directed the film "Yun Hota To Kya Hota" (2006), which was critically acclaimed.
What was his debut film?
His debut film was "Aagman" (1975), where he had a small role.
Is he involved in social causes?
Yes, Naseeruddin Shah is outspoken about social and political issues, often using his platform to raise awareness.
Has he worked with major filmmakers?
Yes, he has collaborated with iconic directors like Vishal Bhardwaj, Kundan Shah, and Shyam Benegal.
What is Naseeruddin Shah's education background?
He studied at the National School of Drama (NSD) in Delhi, where he trained as an actor.
What are some of his significant roles in television?
Naseeruddin Shah appeared in the television series "Mirza Ghalib" (1988), portraying the famous poet.
How does he approach his roles?
He prepares deeply for each role, focusing on understanding the character’s psyche and emotions.
What is his contribution to Indian cinema?
He has significantly shaped Indian cinema by championing strong character-driven narratives, especially in parallel cinema.
Has Naseeruddin Shah won any Filmfare Awards?
Yes, he has won Filmfare Awards for Best Actor for films like "Sparsh" and "Ishqiya".
What is Naseeruddin Shah’s connection with the theater?
He is deeply involved in theater and has founded the "Motley Theatre Group", a prominent Indian theater company.
Did he ever work in any regional cinema?
Yes, he has appeared in regional films, including "Sarfarosh" (1999) and "Katha" (1983), showcasing his versatility across languages.
Has he won any National Film Awards?
Yes, he has won multiple National Film Awards, including Best Actor for the film "Sparsh" (1980).
Is Naseeruddin Shah known for any particular genre?
He is known for his work across various genres, but especially in drama, thriller, and comedy.
Has he ever written a book?
Yes, Naseeruddin Shah published his autobiography titled "And Then One Day" in 2014, detailing his life and career.
What is Naseeruddin Shah’s approach to acting?
He believes in internalizing the character and prefers not to overact, aiming for subtlety and naturalism in his performances.
Has Naseeruddin Shah worked with Bollywood megastars?
Yes, he has shared the screen with stars like Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, and Salman Khan in various films.
What role in his career was particularly challenging for him?
Naseeruddin Shah found his role in "A Wednesday" to be challenging, as it required him to portray an ordinary man turning into a vigilante.
What is Naseeruddin Shah’s opinion on the current state of Indian cinema?
He has often expressed his concerns about the commercialization of cinema but also appreciates films that focus on storytelling and character depth.
Is Naseeruddin Shah involved in any charity work?
Yes, he is actively involved in supporting various causes, including education and human rights.
Has Naseeruddin Shah ever worked in any foreign films?
Yes, he has appeared in international films such as "The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen" (2003) and "The Making of the Mahatma" (1996).
How did Naseeruddin Shah get his start in acting?
He started his acting career with the National School of Drama (NSD) in Delhi, where he honed his craft before entering the film industry.
Has Naseeruddin Shah acted in any musicals?
Though he is primarily known for dramatic roles, he has appeared in plays and films that required him to showcase various emotions, including music-oriented projects.
Is Naseeruddin Shah known for his comedic roles?
Yes, he has showcased his comedic talent in films like "Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro" (1983), where his performance became iconic in Indian cinema.
What did Naseeruddin Shah say about acting?
He believes that acting is not about pretending but about truthfully portraying emotions and understanding the character deeply.
Has Naseeruddin Shah been involved in any controversies?
Yes, he has been outspoken about various social and political issues, which has occasionally led to public controversy, though he remains firm in his beliefs.
What is Naseeruddin Shah’s relationship with his co-actors?
He is known for maintaining professional and respectful relationships with his co-stars, often mentoring younger actors.
How does Naseeruddin Shah view fame?
He has mentioned in interviews that he doesn’t care much about fame and prefers to focus on his craft and the characters he plays.
Has he ever done voice work?
Yes, Naseeruddin Shah has lent his voice for various documentaries and narration-based roles, showcasing his deep, rich voice.
What role is Naseeruddin Shah most proud of?
He has expressed immense pride in his role in "Masoom" (1983) and "A Wednesday" (2008), as both were significant in shaping his career.
Has Naseeruddin Shah ever received international recognition?
Yes, he has received international acclaim for his performances in both Indian and international films, earning a global following.
What are Naseeruddin Shah's views on commercial cinema?
He has often spoken critically about the commercialization of Bollywood, emphasizing that storytelling and acting should be the primary focus rather than catering to box-office success.
Is Naseeruddin Shah a trained actor?
Yes, he trained at the National School of Drama (NSD) in Delhi, one of India's premier institutions for acting.
Has he appeared in any historical films?
Yes, Naseeruddin Shah has appeared in historical films, including "The Making of the Mahatma" (1996), in which he portrayed an important character from history.
What kind of roles does Naseeruddin Shah prefer?
He prefers complex, layered characters that challenge him as an actor and allow him to showcase his range and depth.
What is Naseeruddin Shah’s relationship with his fans?
Naseeruddin Shah is known to be private, but he deeply appreciates his fans' respect for his work and his commitment to the craft of acting.
Does Naseeruddin Shah work in television?
Yes, he has worked in television, including notable appearances in the series "Mirza Ghalib" (1988), where he portrayed the famous poet.
Has Naseeruddin Shah ever collaborated with his wife, Ratna Pathak Shah?
Yes, the couple has collaborated on several occasions, both in theater and film, where they have shared the screen, including in the film "Sarabhai vs Sarabhai" (TV show).
What is Naseeruddin Shah’s influence on new actors?
He is regarded as a mentor to many young actors, known for his insightful guidance and commitment to improving the craft of acting.
What is Naseeruddin Shah’s philosophy about acting?
He believes in naturalism and feels that the key to great acting is to make the audience believe that they are seeing real-life emotions and experiences, not just performances.
Has Naseeruddin Shah ever directed any plays?
Yes, in addition to his acting, Naseeruddin Shah has directed several plays, contributing significantly to Indian theater.
What is Naseeruddin Shah’s take on method acting?
He has stated that while method acting is a valid technique, he believes in focusing more on the emotional truth of the character rather than strictly following any specific school of thought.
Has Naseeruddin Shah worked with any major international actors?
Yes, he has shared screen space with international actors in films like "The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen", where he acted alongside Sean Connery.
What does Naseeruddin Shah think about Bollywood’s future?
He believes that the industry is increasingly becoming more commercial, but also expressed hope for a resurgence of meaningful cinema that tells important stories.
Has Naseeruddin Shah been part of any iconic film franchises?
Yes, he appeared in the "The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen" (2003), which is based on the famous graphic novel, thus becoming part of a notable international film franchise.
What was Naseeruddin Shah’s role in A Wednesday?
In A Wednesday (2008), he played a common man who takes matters into his own hands to stop a terrorist attack, a role that was both thrilling and deeply impactful.
What is Naseeruddin Shah’s favorite genre of films?
He has expressed that he enjoys playing roles in dramas and thrillers, where he can explore complex characters and engage in meaningful storytelling.
Has Naseeruddin Shah been part of any biographical films?
Yes, he has starred in "The Making of the Mahatma", where he portrayed the role of Gandhi’s mentor, a biographical film based on the life of Mahatma Gandhi.
What role did Naseeruddin Shah play in Iqbal (2005)?
In Iqbal, he played a coach who mentors a deaf and mute boy aspiring to be a cricketer, a role that is remembered for its warmth and inspiration.
Does Naseeruddin Shah prefer working in indie or mainstream films?
Though he has worked in both, Naseeruddin Shah is particularly known for his contributions to independent cinema, where he can take on more experimental and character-driven roles.
Has Naseeruddin Shah ever worked with filmmaker Shyam Benegal?
Yes, Naseeruddin Shah has worked with Shyam Benegal, a renowned filmmaker, in films like "Junoon" (1978) and "Mandi" (1983), where his performances were highly praised.
What kind of characters is Naseeruddin Shah known for?
Naseeruddin Shah is known for playing complex, layered characters—often those that delve into the emotional or psychological depth of ordinary people in extraordinary situations.
Has Naseeruddin Shah ever worked with Rajesh Khanna or Amitabh Bachchan?
Yes, Naseeruddin Shah has worked with Amitabh Bachchan in films like "Shakti" (1982) and "Kabhi Kabhie" (1976), sharing the screen with one of Bollywood's biggest stars.
What role did Naseeruddin Shah play in Sarfarosh (1999)?
In Sarfarosh, he played a police officer named Raj Shekhar, involved in fighting terrorism, which showcased his intense and gripping acting style.
How does Naseeruddin Shah handle fame?
Naseeruddin Shah has often mentioned in interviews that he prefers to keep his personal life private and does not let fame influence his work or personal relationships.
What was Naseeruddin Shah’s relationship with the National School of Drama?
Naseeruddin Shah is an alumnus of the National School of Drama (NSD) in Delhi, where he trained under the guidance of Ebrahim Alkazi, one of India’s most respected theater directors.
Has Naseeruddin Shah ever worked with filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj?
Yes, he worked with Vishal Bhardwaj in films like "Maqbool" (2003), where he portrayed a pivotal role in this adaptation of Macbeth.
What is Naseeruddin Shah’s approach to working in ensemble casts?
Naseeruddin Shah enjoys working in ensemble films as he believes such films offer the opportunity for collaborative performances where each actor can contribute to the overall narrative.
Has Naseeruddin Shah ever appeared in any action films?
Though not known for action roles, Naseeruddin Shah has appeared in films with intense sequences, such as "A Wednesday", where his character takes on a vigilante role.
How does Naseeruddin Shah view the younger generation of actors in Bollywood?
He has expressed admiration for younger actors who focus on authenticity and depth in their performances, acknowledging the evolution of acting styles in Bollywood.
Has Naseeruddin Shah worked with his son Vivaan Shah?
Yes, Naseeruddin Shah and his son Vivaan Shah shared screen space in the film "Saat Khoon Maaf" (2011), directed by Vishal Bhardwaj.
What is Naseeruddin Shah’s opinion on commercial cinema?
Naseeruddin Shah has often voiced his concerns about the formulaic nature of commercial cinema, emphasizing the importance of content-driven, meaningful films over box-office success.
Has Naseeruddin Shah ever received a lifetime achievement award?
Yes, Naseeruddin Shah has been honored with several lifetime achievement awards in recognition of his contribution to Indian cinema and theater.
What’s Naseeruddin Shah’s involvement in theater productions?
He is deeply involved in theater, not just as an actor but also as a director and producer. He runs the Motley Theatre Group, which has produced many plays over the years.
What was Naseeruddin Shah’s role in The Dirty Picture (2011)?
In The Dirty Picture, Naseeruddin Shah played a significant supporting role as a veteran film star, who becomes entangled in the life of a controversial actress played by Vidya Balan.
Has Naseeruddin Shah worked in any biographical plays?
Yes, Naseeruddin Shah has acted in biographical plays, including one about Mirza Ghalib, the famous Urdu poet, for which he received much acclaim for his portrayal.
What is Naseeruddin Shah’s legacy in Indian cinema?
Naseeruddin Shah is considered a pioneer of parallel cinema and is known for breaking stereotypes in Bollywood, choosing unconventional roles and often acting in thought-provoking and socially relevant films.
Has Naseeruddin Shah ever worked in a horror film?
Yes, Naseeruddin Shah starred in the horror film "Kahani Ghar Ghar Ki" (2000), where he played a character in a supernatural setting, showing his versatility.
How does Naseeruddin Shah prepare for roles?
Naseeruddin Shah takes a methodical approach to his roles, often immersing himself in the character by studying the script, understanding the character’s emotions, and drawing from real-life experiences.
Has Naseeruddin Shah ever been part of a family drama?
Yes, he appeared in the family drama "Dil Dhadakne Do" (2015), a film about a dysfunctional family, playing a significant supporting role alongside other Bollywood stars like Priyanka Chopra and Anil Kapoor.
Has Naseeruddin Shah worked with filmmaker Kundan Shah?
Yes, Naseeruddin Shah worked with Kundan Shah in the iconic film "Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro" (1983), a black comedy that remains a cult classic in Indian cinema.
What was Naseeruddin Shah’s role in Rangoon (2017)?
In Rangoon, Naseeruddin Shah played a pivotal role as an older film producer, adding depth to the period drama set during World War II.
Has Naseeruddin Shah acted in any plays about historical figures?
Yes, he portrayed Mirza Ghalib, the famous poet, in a play titled "Ghalib in New Delhi", which explored Ghalib’s life and his struggle for relevance in a changing India.
What is Naseeruddin Shah’s connection with the film Shakti (1982)?
In Shakti, Naseeruddin Shah played the role of a tough cop, sharing screen space with legendary actors Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra, making it one of his early mainstream roles.
Has Naseeruddin Shah faced any challenges in his career?
Yes, like many actors in parallel cinema, Naseeruddin Shah faced challenges in getting opportunities in mainstream Bollywood, but his talent eventually garnered him recognition.
What is Naseeruddin Shah’s take on acting in today’s films?
He has expressed concerns that many films today lack depth and substance, but he also appreciates the rise of content-driven films that focus on storytelling over commercial appeal.
Has Naseeruddin Shah done any significant work in Gujarati cinema?
Yes, Naseeruddin Shah has been involved in Gujarati cinema and has performed in plays and films in regional languages, highlighting his wide-ranging influence.
What does Naseeruddin Shah think about Bollywood’s changing landscape?
Naseeruddin Shah acknowledges the growing presence of digital platforms and is optimistic about how they provide opportunities for diverse content and experimentation in filmmaking.
What are Naseeruddin Shah’s views on fame and success?
He has said that he doesn't let fame define him and instead focuses on challenging roles and his growth as an actor, rather than seeking commercial success.
Has Naseeruddin Shah ever been part of any social causes or activism?
Yes, Naseeruddin Shah is an outspoken advocate for human rights and free speech and has often used his platform to raise awareness about political and social issues in India.