A biography for Naseeruddin Shahhasn’t been written yet.
“During the shooting of 'Manthan,' I lived in the hut, learnt to make cow dung cakes and milk a buffalo. I would carry the buckets and serve the milk to the unit to get the physicality of the character.”
“What drew me into being an actor was that I never got cast in the school plays - and it used to kill me.”
“I do enjoy thinking about the past.”
“Given a choice, I prefer directing a play to a film.”
“Being good or evil has nothing to do with religion.”
“I am never comfortable working with stars.”
“If I criticize my country, it is indeed very painful for me. It doesn't make me happy. But, if I see something wrong, it becomes my duty to speak up.”
“When my bank balance runs low, then I sign a big Bollywood monstrous movie, and I make sure that I am safe for the next few years.”
“It would be impossible to find an actor to portray Om Puri, so I wouldn't even attempt it.”
“The magic of theatre is how much can you stimulate the mind of the audience, not how many illusions you can create.”
“Granted, patriotism is not a tonic that can be forced down people's throats.”
“Acting is learnt, not taught.”
“When I saw Spencer Tracy in 'The Old Man and the Sea,' I realised the distinction between being an actor and a film star. He was both, and I, too, resolved to try and be both.”
“I feel anxious for my children because tomorrow, if a mob surrounds them and asks, 'Are you a Hindu or a Muslim?' they will have no answer.”
“I was never turned down because I was a Muslim. I was turned down because I was not right for the part.”
“A lot of scripts are written with an eye on what will be popular or what will titillate or what this actor can do well. I don't think those kinds of scripts ever work.”
“Undeniable though it is that many Indian Muslims misguidedly consider Pakistan their haven, the immeasurably greater number who take intense pride in being Indian and who connect deeply with the country are hurt and angered at our patriotism being under scrutiny.”
“There are a lot of people in my family who should have become actors.”
“I can say with pride that I have a brother who served with distinction in the Indian Army.”
“I don't want any memorials or a grave which my children would have to look after or feel guilty about. I don't want to leave any trace except for the work I have done.”