Manoj Bajpayee Pays His Respects To Guru Naseeruddin Shah On His 75th Birthday News24 –

On the occasion of veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah’s 75th birthday, acclaimed actor Manoj Bajpayee paid a heartfelt tribute to his guru and inspiration. Reflecting on Shah’s immense contribution to Indian cinema and the craft of acting, Bajpayee expressed deep gratitude for the legendary performer’s influence on his journey as an artist.

How influenced are you by Naseeruddin Shah?

Naseer Sahib has been quite instrumental in making me the actor that I am. During my theatre days when I just kind of, just passed out from Delhi University, I mean before that also, when we were watching all of his and Mr. Om Puri’s films, Mr. Shyam Benegal, Mr. Govind Nihalani, and so many films in Malayalam, and Mr. Satyajit Ray, Mr. Manohar Rao’s film, just to educate ourselves. It was then that I realized that these films and Mr. Naseeruddin Shah and Mr. Om Puri’s performances will influence me so much.

What, according to you, is the great takeaway from Naseer’s performances?

What I thought of acting, the definition of it was completely changed after watching Naseer Bhai, and that left me restless to learn almost every minute, as I found myself completely clueless and found myself standing on zero. So, just watching his films, trying to understand his approach, you know, taught me so much. And I started using that technique, that craft in my own performances when I was doing theatre.

So Naseer prompted you to extend your performing skills?

I started attending classes by all the great directors in Delhi theatre. Started talking to them about Naseer Sahab and Om Puri Sahab, and the differences between their actings and their approach. But I realized that here is a man who has taught this country that acting is a very serious business. It cannot be taken for granted, and it is not at all just saying your lines beautifully or well with correct pronunciation.

What was your primary learning experience from watching Naseer?

That there are many hidden layers, nuances, reasons in that one line, and that everyone has to find it. He also taught me that reading the script once or twice or three times is not enough. To find all the answers for the character, all the answers, you have to read it again and again. It’s never enough to rehearse it ten times. It’s always great to be rehearsing it all the time. All the time, whenever you are awake, the rehearsal should start. He taught the world that it’s a serious craft. Naseer Bhai taught the industry that it’s never about giving a shot in one take. It’s always about finding the reasons for those dialogues. He has taught the craft of acting to all the actors in this nation. His performances in many great films like Sparsh, Ijaazat, Paar, Mandi, even that one scene, I will never forget in Ardh Satya.

Your final thoughts on Naseer?

He has given his all to change the way people looked at performances and acting. So thank you, Naseer Bhai, for existing. Thank you for your teaching. I am a privileged one who can definitely say loudly that I know you and I learned from you. Thank you.