I wanted to write my first post about Alia Bhatt and her glorious talent and switch to the fangirl mode, but making this a topical post about Naseeruddin Shah, in the light of his recent comments about Rajesh Khanna.
This is not the first time Shah has criticized film people. I think he has criticized a lot of people - from Amitabh Bachchan to Sajid Khan - that's quite a range! Also, this is not the first time he has criticized a dead person. He wrote not-so-nice things about Smita Patil in his memoir, which was released a couple of years ago.
Safe to say that Shah is a critical man, like Bhaskor Banerjee in Piku. Now, this makes me wonder if Shah is also constipated, and hence unhappy all the time!
Shah has a right to his own opinions. Free speech. Freedom of expression. And all that jazz. I am all for it. But but but...
Why does Shah take this ivory tower approach all the time when he himself has done so many crappy movies? He is the original art-house poster boy of Indian cinema, but he has done some really really bad films. He did Himesh Reshammiya's Teraa Surroor recently, for crying out loud. Surely it can't get lower than that when it comes to choice of movies. Shah even gives a rather clever response on why he does such movies in this interview with Rajeev Masand.
Fair enough. As an artist, you don't always get good work. You need to pay your bills, so you take on some projects with questionable credentials. Money is a good factor in career choices.
But then, can Shah really criticize others for bad work when he does films like Teraa Surroor? Why are the standards different for him and other people? Everyone has their own reasons to do a certain kind of work, and it's their choice. If Rajesh Khanna is responsible for bringing mediocrity in the 70s, Shah is responsible for bringing on a pain called Himesh Reshammiya on to our lives in 2015.
Now let's explore the money part a bit. Shah has been working in films for more than 40 years now. I am assuming that his family doesn't starve if he doesn't do movies like Teraa Surroor. Then why do these films? If you do it these films, then why criticize others? I fail to understand this.
Shah might be super-good actor, but I have more respect for the likes of Parineeti Chopra, who took a break after just two unsuccessful films, and has stayed away from the silver-screen for more than two years now (her last screen outing was in November 2014). I am sure Chopra got many offers in this break time, but she apparently wanted to sit back and think about what she really wanted to do. Chopra sure is very talented, but this clarity of thought is what I really appreciate, which Shah, IMO, lacks. If a 25 year old kid can let go of materialistic reasons to take up work (a 25 year old needs money to shop, for god sake), a 65 year old veteran can surely do it.
No wonder so many people are calling Shah a bitter old man, I think he deserves the title.
This is not the first time Shah has criticized film people. I think he has criticized a lot of people - from Amitabh Bachchan to Sajid Khan - that's quite a range! Also, this is not the first time he has criticized a dead person. He wrote not-so-nice things about Smita Patil in his memoir, which was released a couple of years ago.
Safe to say that Shah is a critical man, like Bhaskor Banerjee in Piku. Now, this makes me wonder if Shah is also constipated, and hence unhappy all the time!
Shah has a right to his own opinions. Free speech. Freedom of expression. And all that jazz. I am all for it. But but but...
Why does Shah take this ivory tower approach all the time when he himself has done so many crappy movies? He is the original art-house poster boy of Indian cinema, but he has done some really really bad films. He did Himesh Reshammiya's Teraa Surroor recently, for crying out loud. Surely it can't get lower than that when it comes to choice of movies. Shah even gives a rather clever response on why he does such movies in this interview with Rajeev Masand.
Fair enough. As an artist, you don't always get good work. You need to pay your bills, so you take on some projects with questionable credentials. Money is a good factor in career choices.
But then, can Shah really criticize others for bad work when he does films like Teraa Surroor? Why are the standards different for him and other people? Everyone has their own reasons to do a certain kind of work, and it's their choice. If Rajesh Khanna is responsible for bringing mediocrity in the 70s, Shah is responsible for bringing on a pain called Himesh Reshammiya on to our lives in 2015.
Now let's explore the money part a bit. Shah has been working in films for more than 40 years now. I am assuming that his family doesn't starve if he doesn't do movies like Teraa Surroor. Then why do these films? If you do it these films, then why criticize others? I fail to understand this.
Shah might be super-good actor, but I have more respect for the likes of Parineeti Chopra, who took a break after just two unsuccessful films, and has stayed away from the silver-screen for more than two years now (her last screen outing was in November 2014). I am sure Chopra got many offers in this break time, but she apparently wanted to sit back and think about what she really wanted to do. Chopra sure is very talented, but this clarity of thought is what I really appreciate, which Shah, IMO, lacks. If a 25 year old kid can let go of materialistic reasons to take up work (a 25 year old needs money to shop, for god sake), a 65 year old veteran can surely do it.
No wonder so many people are calling Shah a bitter old man, I think he deserves the title.
Don't be too harsh on him. Shah is one of the finest actor this country has. His versatility is jaw dropping...from jane bhee do yaron to mirch masala to masoom, sparsh, bazaar, paar. Incredibly gifted actor. I tell you what...you watch Paar and tell me which actor can come anyway close to his acting; except may be kamal. Of course he has made crappie movies as well just like any other actor. Some people do have strong critics on others (dead or alive); so be it. Its his opinion; why blow it out of proportion? Rajesh and other bollywood stars were very popular due to good looks, fan following, great music based movies. But when it comes to acting talent, Shah is miles ahead (believe me I have watched all Rajesh movie) You must watch Shah's movies which I have listed here....then I am pretty sure you will understand. I will give more but first watch these movies. I have copy of these movies if you like.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteFirst of all, why are you Amit Gupta? Multiple personalities? :)
DeleteOk so.. I never said he's not a good actor. I know he's one of the best we have. That's not the point of discussion here. The point is does he have a right to criticize others for doing bad movies when he himself has done a dozen of them? He’s all like I am very talented, but I’ll do few bad films cos I need money.. but you guys are bringing mediocrity into our cinema. If people like Shah aren’t responsible for improving the collective quality of our cinema, then who is? Salman Khan and Sajid khan? What about being the change you want to see?
Ok this google account had auto login of my son :)
DeleteWell, there are people who hate Gandhi and there are people who love Hitler. Everyone has right to criticize or appreciate (because we are free country :) ) My point is why do we give so much publicity to opinions? No he is not responsible for collective quality of our Cinema, only we the people are. Mithun is a big star in west bengal, rajni in south. These are good actors but not great. But they are extremely popular across different socio-economic sectors of the society. So as long as there is market for crap movies, they will be made. I like movies that have quality and intensity in the areas like direction, performance, cinematic experience, art direction, etc. And when it comes to acting Shah is like Sachin Tendulkar (who also had bad days). So when Sachin says Manoj Prabhakar is crap...well some like and some don't. So be it. Let's move on. BTW, after Rajesh's death all Dimple, Twinkle and Akshay got sudden love for Rajesh (his property?)..they left him alone in depression for 20 years. Chalo got to go... your blog is very well composed though..you should write more.
LOL! You went everywhere else but near my point of 'being the change you want to see'. And I do give publicity to his opinions (more than of others), because 1. he matters more to me than others 2. he's being hypocritical, n I can't stand it.
DeleteShrilatha,
ReplyDeleteyaake bareeta illa?
I am back on antaranga… take a look!