Naseeruddin Shah Ready With Tell-All Autobiography

India's most accomplished actor is ready with his autobiography.

That Naseeruddin Shah has written his life-story out is no surprise. After all life and career more worthy of chronicling is hard to come by.What surprises is that the Naseer story was kept under wraps for nearly four years as the actor-extraordinaire diligently penned down his thoughts and observations.

Confirming the publication of his autobiography Naseeruddin Shah says, `Yes,I've written my autobiography .I haven't spoken about it to anyone. I wanted to complete before talking about it.`

As one eagerly awaits the opus Naseer reveals that it covers the first 32 years of his life. `That's as far as I'd like to take my life in the autobiography without the narration getting too lengthy to hold my readers. Insha Allah, there will be a second volume covering the second part of my life.`

Naseer's autobiography is expected to be out this year.
Says the insuperable actor, `This year I complete 40 years of acting.So it seemed like the right time to talk about the first-half of my life.I've tried to be as honest in my book as possible. I've told the truth about my life without hurting the dignity of those whom I came into contact with.`

The title of the autobiography is still to be decided.

Rishi Kapoor is also writing his memoirs. Anil Kapoor's biography is being written by Khalid Mohamed.

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Moral policing of art politically motivated now: Naseeruddin Shah

Veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah is upset that moral policing of art has become "politically motivated" nowadays in comparison to the time when authors like Saadat Hasan Manto produced their most famous works.

Naseer captivated a packed house at the third Kolkata Literary Meet here Monday evening with a reading of the India-born Manto, who migrated to Pakistan after the sub-continent's partition in 1947, who wrote in Urdu from the 1930s to 1950s.

"It's really worrying to see how far the moral policing of art has come... what we are seeing over the last 10 or 12 years is a very worrisome trend where anybody can decide to take offense..it is terrible...it is politically motivated now...I don't know about then (Manto's time)...it was probably not...it was just people's prudery was outraged but these its much more than that.

"At least their works were not burnt in public...at least they were not dragged into the streets...their precious output was not destroyed...they were not banned...they were not banished...they didn't have to run away."

Speaking on the section 292 (peddling obscenity) of the Indian Penal Code, that also entitles art to be charged with obscenity, Naseer said only a "terrible prude" could frame such a law.

"Somebody has to define the term obscenity and vulgarity...I think the people who framed the law were unaware of the massive culture...it seems to have been formulated by someone who is a terrible prude."

"I don't see what artists can do except to continue doing what their instincts drive them to. All we can do is to stay undeterred and continue to do what we believe in," he added. 

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Naseeruddin hits out at opponents of India, Pakistani cultural exchange

Slamming those who are against cultural exchanges between India and Pakistan in the wake of diplomatic tensions, veteran film and theatre actor Naseeruddin Shah Monday said a section of Indians do not reciprocate the "tremendous" fascination and curiosity of the neighbours for the country.

"What I found is that there is a tremendous fascination, there is a tremendous curiosity about us in Pakistan...we do not reciprocate that...we are condescending about that ...I say they (those who are against cultural exchange) can go take a hike...I intend to continue whatever I can do in developing person to person contact," he said during a session at the third Kolkata Literary Meet here.

Nasseruddin strongly iterated about furthering "person to person contact" through his craft. The actor has conducted numerous workshops for budding artists across the border and has also starred in the Pakistani film "Zinda Bhaag".

"We seem to carry it with us all this way and its time we got rid of it and there's nothing we can do except further and encourage person to person contact...so I will continue to go there.

"I have been working with students, talking to them, performing with them and if anybody says that I am unpatriotic, then fine I am unpatriotic."

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By: Karan Anshuman

Film: Dedh Ishqiya
Cast: Naseeruddin Shah, Madhuri Dixit, Arshad Warsi, Huma Qureshi, Vijay Raaz, Manoj Pahwa
Director Abhishek Choubey
Certification: U/A
Rating: ***

Dedh Ishiqya has very little to do with the first part. It is a lot more fantasy, a lot less real; a lot more about poetry, a lot less about ubiquitous gas cylinders; a lot more love, without diluting the fellowship established in Ishqiya. A melange of genres, the genesis of Dedh Ishqiya's moods might've roots in the works of a cross-section of cinema - from Vishal Bhardwaj himself to Robert Rodriguez (what with the inventive Mexican standoffs), but it stays consistent to the form it chooses and creates an atmosphere that only comes when hearing good poetry. Oh yes, the sequel, the film significantly better than Part I.

Set in made-up Mehmudabad, Begum Para (Madhuri Dixit) is auditioning for a husband who must be a poet. From her past appears Khalujaan (Naseeruddin Shah) masquerading as a nawab, facing off for her hand with another counterfeit royal Jaan Mohammad (Vijay Raaz). Key events in her life shape her decisions as an elaborate ruse of courtship plays out between the pretenders. Babban (Arshad Warsi) tricked into separating from his Mamu, tracks him down with revenge on his mind. But Khalujaan has words at his service, words that fly from his tongue that influence with ease those who hear them and soon they're friends again, playing games of deceit. Only, are their victims smarter?

The highlight of the writing is the dialogue. Vishal Bhardwaj writes songs, poetry, insults, and ideas in Urdu with unrestrained enthusiasm. His lines often act as the honey to help let slide the bitter pill that is an essentially humdrum screenplay with logic loopholes. Dedh Ishqiya also relies on its moments: a hand tremor cured by love, Dixit dancing under the tutelage of Pt Birju Maharaj, Shah singing a song sans music. Treat the film as a light dramedy, and it's hard to be disappointed.

Abhishek Chaubey's direction is sure footed and - like he did with the first film - he pays attention craft, striving for an uncompromised end product. He succeeds by and large. From single frames to entire set pieces, there's deliciousness in their originality. And then there's Kunal Sharma's sound design - one of the best in a long time. What joy it must be for him to work with a voice like Naseer's. His deep intonation of Urdu goes from baritone to bass, and literally makes the floor of the theater quaver. I don't know if you will get a chance to experience this, but it sure was a first for me.

What a relief it so to see good actors choose a script with gravitas. Good writing can only inspire harder work and better performances. Look what it did with Arshad Warsi, coming right out of the shadow of last week's Joe B Carvalho! And, Naseeruddin Shah... thank you. It's delightful to have you back. For a moment it looks like Madhuri Dixit is struggling but then is it possible that in our minds do not allow us to see her as anyone else but Madhuri Dixit? Huma Qureshi keeps her chin up with her deception in the mayhem and gifted Vijay Raaz also gets his due.

Dedh Ishqiya - it's texture, dialogue, and performances - make it good enough to hold up in a repeat viewing. And that's a lot more than you can say about the majority of other films.

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'Dedh Ishqiya' review is Dark comedy at its finest!

Resham Sengar

Back in 2010, there was `Ishqiya`, and now, there is `Dedh Ishqiya`, albeit with edgier characters and a plot that will keep you glued to the screen right till the end.

Director Abhishek Chaubey, takes the risk of taking ahead the storyline from where the trio of Khalu (Naseeruddin Shah), Krishna (Vidya Balan), and Babban (Arshad Warsi) left off after being done with their antics. He has surely come up with an even more convincing picture painted with dark colours with the tinge of comedy.

This time around, Babban, Khalu and the don Mustaq (Salman Shahid) reprise their roles but there is a twist(s) in the story. Khalujaan has a special plan at work. He smartly dons the garb of a shayar called Iftikhaar Hussain in order to win over the beautiful Begum Para of Mahmudabad, who has been holding a massive groom hunt for herself after her husband`s demise. Begum had promised her late husband to remarry the one who could woo her with his shayari.

The graceful Begum Para has an attendant cum confidant, Munira, always by her side. On the other hand, there is a politician named Jaan Mohammad Khan (Vijay Raaz), who is also trying tooth and nail to have the beautiful Begum as his bride. While, the men waiting with bated breath for the Begum`s affections have a conspiracy in place waiting to be executed when the time is ripe. The women too don`t fail to surprise the men and the audiences with their novel shenanigans.

With a cast boasting of pro names of showbiz like Naseeruddin Shah, Vijay Raaz, Arshad, Huma and last but not the least, Madhuri, `Dedh Ishqiya` is a dark gem for the connoisseurs of this genre. Madhuri exudes a charming aura on-screen, and Huma rules every frame she appears on. The chemistry between Madhuri and Naseer saab looks a tad forced perhaps because of their wide age gap, but we will go for the madcap tricks cooked up by the duo Babban and Khalu.

The music delivered by Vishal Bhardwaj is adept in rendering the required force and conviction to the film`s story. Moreover, the neatly edited scenes make the film a captivating treat for the eyes.

Every thing about `Dedh Ishqiya` stands on its own and stands out. Whether you watch it for the Begum`s magic or Babban and Khalu – this caper is sure to delight you.

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Shabana Azmi trashes Naseeruddin Shah's opinion on Farhan's Film Bhaag Milkha Bhaag

 

 

One of the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful films of 2013 was Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra's 'Bhaag Milkha Bhaag' (BMB). The comprehensive breathtaking bio-pic on Olympian athlete Milkha Singh has found an unlikely dissenter in thespian Naseeruddin Shah who has for reasons best known to him, lashed out at 'BMB', calling it and Farhan Akhtar's performance, "fake".

The remark has raised the hackles of many notable individuals in the entertainment industry. One of Naseer's old co-stars said, "Naseer should focus on the quality of his own work. After doing 'Jackpot' he is in no position to pass judgment on any film, let alone one that has deeply moved and inspired Indians and non-Indians across the world."

Farhan's step-mother Shabana Azmi who has worked extensively with Naseer in some of the most influential films of Indian cinema says Naseer's opinion on Farhan's performance and the film are not appreciated.

Says Shabana, "Farhan was outstanding in 'Bhaag Milkha Bhaag'. His performance gave me gooseflesh. He has raised the bar for what actors should demand from themselves while portraying real-life characters. Naseer is entitled to his opinion. But most Indians don't agree with him."

While Rakeysh Mehra and Farhan Akhtar desisted from comment, Prasoon Joshi who has written 'BMB' spoke exclusively on the controversy.

Says Prasoon, "I respect Naseer Saab and he's entitled to his opinion. But I don't agree with his opinion on 'BMB'. I've written the film. It has inspired and connected with people all across the world. It was not meant to be a documentary or a niche film."

Commenting on Naseer's opinion that Farhan Akhtar doesn't resemble Milkha, Prasoon says, "In my opinion Farhan has done a great job in terms of the character that I wrote. I had deliberately incorporated tones of fact and fiction. He has shone in his interpretation of the character. There are no false notes at all in his performance."

Pawan Malhotra who plays Milkha's coach also stands staunchly by the film. "You can't please everyone. I was and I am very happy to be part of 'BMB'."

When I cross-checked with Naseer he admitted he was not impressed by 'BMB'. "But the makers are convinced they've made a masterpiece. Look, spare me, will you? No one involved with that film gives a damn about my opinion. And I am not really keen to hurt their feelings."

Director Ajay Bahl agrees with Naseeruddin Shah. Says Bahl, "I didn't like 'Bhaag Milkha Bhaag' at all. I found the film too long. The script went all over the place and the direction was over-indulgent. However, I think Farhan Akhtar did a splendid job of recreating Milkha Singh's persona. The film just didn't match his performance."

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