Naseeruddin Shah has left his mark as the poster boy of ‘80s-era parallel cinema and as the go-to character actor in many a mainstream Bollywood hit. If you are a fan of Shah’s versatile work, then have a look at the maestro’s best movies along with a guide on where to stream them.
Naseeruddin Shah’s Career at a Glance
Born in 1950, in Barabanki, Uttar Pradesh, Shah embarked on his acting journey with a remarkable debut in Shyam Benegal's endearing social drama Nishant (1975). His foray into cinema signaled the emergence of a formidable talent capable of embodying a diverse array of characters with conviction and authenticity.
Throughout his career spanning over four decades, Shah has fearlessly embraced challenging roles across a spectrum of genres. In the cult satirical comedy Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro (1983), he delivered a memorable performance as a photographer embroiled in a political conspiracy, seamlessly blending humor with social commentary.
Shah's versatility shone through in his portrayal of the troubled protagonist in Masoom (1983), a poignant exploration of family dynamics and forgiveness. His nuanced performance of a man struggling to father his illegitimate child, elicited both empathy and admiration from audiences and critics alike.
In the realm of parallel cinema, Shah's collaborations with visionary filmmakers yielded cinematic gems that continue to resonate with audiences. Sparsh (1980), directed by Sai Paranjpye, showcased Shah's ability to delve into the intricacies of human relationships with sensitivity and depth. His portrayal of a visually impaired principal challenged societal perceptions and earned him widespread acclaim.
Paar (1984), directed by Goutam Ghose, provided Shah with another opportunity to showcase his acting prowess. Set against the backdrop of rural India, the film depicted the struggles of a couple oppressed by the feudal system. Shah's portrayal of a disillusioned cart puller captured the essence of despair and resilience with remarkable authenticity.
Shah's commitment to excellence extended beyond traditional Bollywood fare, as evidenced by his collaboration with auteurs such as Govind Nihalani (the anti-caste legal drama Aakrosh), Gulzar (the divorce-centric romantic drama Ijaazat), and Saeed Akhtar Mirza (the urban angst-ridden character study Albert Pinto Ko Gussa Kyoon Aata Hai).
In the 2000s, Shah made a detour to Hollywood, playing Captain Nemo in The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen. While the movie polarised critics and audiences, an aging Shah continued to shine in supporting roles back home.
For instance, the sports drama Iqbal (2005) found him playing a washed-out alcoholic cricketer who becomes an unlikely mentor to the titular protagonist. In the crime thriller A Wednesday (2008), directed by Neeraj Pandey, Shah delivered a riveting performance as a common man driven to extreme measures in the face of injustice. His portrayal of the unnamed protagonist resonated with audiences, elevating the film to cult status.
At the same time, old age didn’t stop Shah from taking on morally complex lead roles in adult dramas. The best example in this case is the Ishqiya franchise in which he played a poetry-writing goon with an affinity for twisted romances. The Dirty Picture similarly found him playing a casanova actor in the sleazy ‘80s film industry.
Why is Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro Naseeruddin Shah’s best movie to watch?
Revolving around the exploits of two photojournalists uncovering corruption in the city, Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro is a satire that somehow stays relevant with every decade. Shah offers a humorous lead performance along with perfectly-cast co-stars like Pankaj Kapur, Om Puri, and Satish Shah. The film bombed at the box-office but its dark social commentary coupled with slapstick goofiness makes it a cult favourite today.
Where can you stream Naseeruddin Shah’s filmography?
You can stream most of Shah’s works on Netflix, Prime Video, ZEE5, Shemaaro, Jio Cinema, and VI Movies. Arthouse fans can stream many of his critically acclaimed parallel cinema features on Mubi.
