Naseeruddin Shah & Paresh Rawal: Masters Share Acting Secrets

Veteran actors Naseeruddin Shah and Paresh Rawal recently participated in the Shreeram Lagoo National Theatre Festival, sharing their vast experiences and insights.

Rawal reflected on his early career, noting that conventional acting schools were scarce in the 1960s, and he learned primarily through on-the-job experience with accomplished actors. He described his acting process as intuitive, preferring not to overthink his roles.

Shah recounted his initial inspirations for acting, stemming from a love for making faces and a profound admiration for Dr. Shreeram Lagoo's powerful stage presence. He detailed his transition from small, character-driven plays to larger productions, and his search for compelling roles in Hindi and Urdu.

Both actors underscored the fundamental purpose of acting as communication, urging performers to connect deeply with the text and convey meaning effectively. Shah highlighted the cerebral impact he aims for, rather than simple emotional displays, while Rawal touched upon the practicalities and economics of early theatre productions and advocated for increased industrial support for the arts.

Shah also advised aspiring actors to prioritize genuine craft over a desire for cinematic fame, emphasizing the need for education, imagination, and observation in acting. He stressed that true performance arises from understanding the roots of emotions, not just reciting lines or displaying pre-packaged feelings.