Simply Shah

It was an exciting evening for film enthusiasts as they witness a legend being honoured in the city where he started his career.

Actor Naseeruddin Shah welcomes the new wave in cinema, which he feels is a true reflection of life

It was an exciting evening for film enthusiasts as they witness a legend being honoured in the city where he started his career. As an actor, his first performance in a professional play was in Pune after passing out from National School of Drama. Hooked by the culture of the city, he went on to pursue a course in acting at the wellknown Film and Television Institute of India. The rest is history, as he proved himself as one of Indian cinema8217;s most talented and versatile actors. It was only befitting that the same city honoured Naseeruddin Shah, with the Zenith Asia Award on Thursday.

Candid as always, Shah spoke his heart out on various subjects while speaking to media persons after the function. He was happy to receive the award but at the same time lashed out at the competitive awards given to artistes. 8220;I hate competitive awards. Anyone comes; gives awards to film personalities and artistes accept it. It is unnecessary,8221; he said.

He was rather sarcastic when he talked about the parallel film movement of the 19708217;s. 8220;We were as revolutionary in our age as we used to think. I think we drew that conclusion at a very early stage.8221; He did not forget to add that we should not categorise films.

Shah welcomed the new wave in Indian cinema, which according to him reflects our own lives. Expressing a wish to go further, he said, 8220;I am happy to see Indian cinema coming up with new genres and interesting subjects. There is a lot of opportunity for creative people. But one should also see that it goes beyond urban life and touches the issues faced by those in rural areas,8221; he said.

Going down memory lane, Shah talked about his FTII days. 8220;I have a special relationship with Pune. I remember performing plays here. This is the place where I grew as an actor.8221;

Memories of Ghashiram Kotwal, a famous play by the late Vijay Tendulkar made him more nostalgic. 8220;I had seen this play at least 15 times. I used to shuttle between Mumbai and Pune every other day to watch the play. I hope I get a chance to act in the play, which will again be a production by Jabbar Patel; with Mohan Agashe in the role of Nana Phadanvis and me playing Ghashiram Kotwal.8221;