How influenced are you by Naseeruddin Shah?
Naseer Sahab has been instrumental in shaping me into the actor I am today. During my theatre days, just after passing out of Delhi University—and even before that—we were constantly watching his films, along with those of Om Puri Sahab, Shyam Benegal, Govind Nihalani, and so many Malayalam and Bengali filmmakers like Satyajit Ray and Mr. Manohar Rao. It was through their work that we educated ourselves. It was then that I realized how deeply Naseeruddin Shah and Om Puri’s performances would influence me.
Manoj Bajpayee salutes his guru: “Naseeruddin Shah changed the way we look at acting”
What, according to you, is the great takeaway from Naseer’s performances?
What I thought acting was—my entire definition of it—changed completely after watching Naseer Bhai. His work left me restless, desperate to learn. I suddenly found myself clueless, standing at zero. Just watching his performances, trying to understand his approach, taught me so much. I began applying those techniques to my own theatre work.
So Naseer prompted you to extend your performing skills?
Absolutely. I started attending classes with the best directors in Delhi theatre. I would talk to them endlessly about Naseer Sahab and Om Puri Sahab, and their differing approaches to acting. But above all, I realized that here was a man who taught the country that acting is a serious business. It cannot be taken for granted. It’s not just about delivering lines beautifully or pronouncing them correctly.
What was your primary learning from watching Naseer?
He taught me that every line carries hidden layers, nuances, and emotional depth—it’s the actor’s job to find them. He showed me that reading the script once or twice isn’t enough. You have to read it repeatedly to find all the answers. Rehearsing ten times isn’t enough. Rehearsal must become a part of your waking life. Naseer Bhai taught us all that acting is not about giving a perfect take—it’s about discovering the reasons behind every line, every beat.
Your final thoughts on Naseer?
He changed the way we look at acting and performance. His work in Sparsh, Ijaazat, Paar, Mandi, and even that unforgettable one scene in Ardh Satya, has left an indelible mark on Indian cinema. Thank you, Naseer Bhai, for existing, for teaching, and for inspiring generations. I consider myself privileged to have known you and learned from you.
Also Read: 24 Years of Aks: Manoj Bajpayee calls it his “Most imaginative performance”
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