Naseeruddin Shah: A Child at Heart, Says Imtiaz Ali

In a recent interview, director Imtiaz Ali shared his experiences working with the legendary Naseeruddin Shah on the film 'Main Vaapas Aaunga.' Ali described Shah as having a childlike spirit, despite his serious reputation. The director recounted humorous moments during filming, including Shah's frustrations with retakes and his emotional performances. This article delves into their dynamic on set and highlights Shah's dedication to his craft, making it a must-read for fans of Hindi cinema.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 12, 2026, 23:38 IST

Naseeruddin Shah's Unique Persona on Set

Renowned actor Naseeruddin Shah is celebrated in Hindi cinema not only for his remarkable acting skills but also for his serious demeanor. However, director Imtiaz Ali, who worked with Shah on the film Main Vaapas Aaunga, describes him as having a childlike spirit and a pure heart. During a recent interview, Ali humorously admitted to having directed Shah poorly during the film's production. Shah, known for taking considerable time to prepare for his roles, reportedly lost his temper at Ali after being asked to do a retake, leading to a humorous exchange.

Imtiaz Ali Reflects on His Experience with Naseeruddin Shah

In a conversation with Navika Kumar on a media channel's show Baatein Dil Se, Ali shared insights about working with Shah. He noted, "Naseer is quite unfiltered and can be unpredictable, which sometimes leads to volatile moments. He speaks his mind, especially on set." Ali explained that Shah was tackling one of his most challenging roles, requiring nearly four hours for makeup and prosthetics, which tested his patience. When lighting adjustments were made, Shah found himself unable to move due to the lengthy preparation process.

Ali recounted a particularly emotional scene where Shah delivered a stunning performance that left the set in silence. However, after the shot, when Ali requested another take, Shah expressed his frustration, asking, "You want another take? What do you want, yaar? Ab kya?" When Ali suggested altering the rhythm of a line to make it more poetic, Shah retorted, "I am dying, and you are talking about poetry?" Despite the tension, Ali understood the emotional toll on Shah and allowed him some time to regroup. Eventually, Shah conceded, saying, ‘Okay, whatever, you are the director, what can I do?’

After taking another shot, Shah's performance was even more captivating. Ali later revealed that when Shah watched the film, he inquired which take was used, to which Ali responded that the first take was chosen. Ali emphasized that Shah possesses a childlike innocence and often asks for guidance on his lines, making him seem less like a veteran and more like a newcomer. The film Main Vaapas Aaunga, featuring Diljit Dosanjh, Vedang Raina, and Sharvari, is currently showing in theaters!