Naseeruddin Shah Reflects on Manthan, Mentorship, and Memories at Indie Meme Film Festival
- njetly4
- Apr 11
- 3 min read
On the opening night of the Indie Meme Film Festival 2025, audiences were treated to a rare and heartfelt virtual Q&A with legendary Indian actor Naseeruddin Shah, following the screening of Manthan—a film that remains a cornerstone of India’s parallel cinema movement. The restored version of Manthan brought renewed life to this 1976 classic, and Shah's reflections transported viewers straight into the soul of that era.
A Film Revisited, A Memory Rekindled
When asked about his reaction upon seeing the beautifully restored version of Manthan, Shah shared that he was unaware of the effort going into its restoration. He admitted he seldom revisits his older work as it tends to make him feel "very old." Yet Manthan, he confessed, holds a special place in his heart—not just as a film, but as a turning point in his life.
“It was my second film,” Shah recalled, “but it became the one that helped me find my footing as an actor.” Ironically, despite the acclaim Nishant (his debut film) received, Shah was the only actor from the ensemble who didn’t get offers afterward. “It was disheartening,” he admitted, “but Manthan changed that.”
Playing Bholu: A Role That Resonated
Shah described his character Bholu as someone he could easily relate to—an underdog with no future and very little past. Growing up as the youngest in a landowning family, Shah often felt overlooked, much like Bholu. His empathy for laborers and farmers came from firsthand experiences at his grandfather’s farm in Meerut. That connection helped him internalize the character's struggles and portray them with raw authenticity.
A Bond Forged with Director Shyam Benegal
Shah spoke with reverence about director Shyam Benegal, describing him as a mentor, friend, and father figure. Their collaboration began with Nishant, and Shah remembered how Benegal cast him despite warnings from others who labeled the young actor as “rebellious” and “troublemaking.”
“From the moment he shook my hand, I felt comforted,” Shah said, adding, “Shyam’s touch truly healed.” The trust Benegal placed in his actors, offering gentle suggestions rather than imposing directions, created a space for genuine, grounded performances. “You could always feel his presence,” Shah noted, “even if he wasn’t speaking.”
The Intimacy of Old-School Filmmaking
Shah expressed dismay at the impersonal nature of modern film sets, lamenting how directors now often sit far from actors, eyes fixed on monitors. “Those were different days,” he said fondly, recalling how actors would perform without playback or screen previews, relying instead on trust, instincts, and direct interaction with the director.
On Co-stars, Camaraderie, and Humility
The conversation soon turned to Shah’s illustrious co-stars—Shabana Azmi, Amrish Puri, Girish Karnad—and the respect he felt for them. He remembered nervously correcting Azmi’s diction during a student workshop, only to be graciously acknowledged later. “She didn’t remember me at the shoot of Nishant, but she was always kind, always encouraging,” he shared.
Shah also recalled his first scene with Amrish Puri, a moment of personal awe and anxiety. But Puri’s gentleness and quiet strength made Shah feel supported. After their scene, Puri placed a hand on Shah’s shoulder and said, “Accha kiya,” a simple yet cherished compliment that Shah holds dear.
Staying True to the Craft
Shah briefly touched upon his preparation for Manthan, which included staying in villages and learning to milk cows. But beyond technique, it was his grounding in realism and emotion that shaped his performances. Inspired by the likes of Ray, Basu Chatterjee, and Mrinal Sen, Shah knew early on that he belonged in cinema that prioritized story and substance over glamour.
A Bittersweet Reunion
As the session drew to a close, Shah grew contemplative. Watching Manthan again, he said, always stirs emotion. Many of the film’s cast and crew are no longer with us. “The memory is bittersweet,” he said, “but I remember the love, the support, and the laughter. I remember how it all began.”
Legacy, Humility, and Gratitude
Naseeruddin Shah’s reflections during this Q&A were more than just a trip down memory lane—they were a testament to the integrity of an actor who has consistently chosen meaning over fame. With unflinching honesty, warmth, and a touch of humor, Shah offered audiences a rare insight into his journey, and a heartfelt tribute to the artists and mentors who shaped him.
As he said, “If it weren’t for Shyam, I really don’t know where I’d be today.” And cinema, too, would not be the same without Naseeruddin Shah.
This session was part of the 2025 Indie Meme Film Festival’s opening day events. For more highlights and upcoming screenings, visit Indie Meme’s official website.
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