Don't Want To Do Roles Involving Two Months Of Intense Hard Work: Naseeruddin Shah

He’s been part of the entertainment industry for more than four decades and he’s content with the work he has done over the years.

- Mihir Bhanage

So today, when Naseeruddin Shah is approached for a project, he takes up only those that he will enjoy and be remembered for. As part of an interaction, the actor speaks about his work, the importance of doing theatre, his current favorite actors and more. Excerpts:

At 71, you have played varied roles, essaying real-life persons, a ghost, a narrator, and more. What keeps you going, and today, when you are approached for a role, what do you look for in it?

My interest in the last 15 years has changed. I am content with the work I’ve done. It’s been more than I ever expected. At the moment I am keen to participate in projects that I feel I will enjoy, and be remembered for. That’s why I have been doing cameos in several projects. Frankly, I am tired and I don’t want to do a role that involves two months of intense hard work anymore. I am not up to it anymore.

You’ve been someone who has balanced between commercial and parallel cinema throughout your career. Was that a conscious decision?