Ratna Pathak Shah and Naseeruddin Shah, who married in 1982, are both well-known and respected actors across film, theatre and TV. But despite their shared passion for acting, they often see the profession very differently. Over the years, their conversations at home have sparked many debates about what it really means to be an actor.
Ratna Pathak Shah recalls the ongoing debate
In a recent interview with Faye D’Souza on her YouTube channel, Sarabhai vs Sarabhai, the actress opened up about her many arguments with Naseeruddin about acting. She revealed that while she loves acting deeply, she doesn’t see it as a matter of life or death. Ratna began by recalling one of Naseeruddin’s strong beliefs: “I quote from Naseer: ‘You shouldn’t be an actor if you don’t feel like you’re going to die if you don’t act.'” This statement, she admitted, led to many heated exchanges between them: “I’m not one of those types. I’m sorry. I had many arguments with Naseer about it. How can he say that? What’s wrong with me? I don’t feel like I’m going to die if I can’t act!” For her, acting is deeply enjoyable, but not the sole purpose of her existence. “I love acting, I enjoy it, I do it with extreme concentration and seriousness. But I don’t think it’s the only thing I want from life.” Despite her stand, Naseeruddin’s reaction was always the same, “he said, no.” If you want to be an actor, a full-time career actor, then it must be that important to you.”
Naseeruddin Shah advises controversial aspiring actors
The Kapoor & Sons actress also spoke about how Naseeruddin handles aspiring actors. According to her, many students often approach him with a plan: they tell him they will try for a couple of years and then decide whether to continue. Naseeruddin’s blunt response often surprises them. She said, “Many acting students come to him and say, ‘Sir, I will try for a couple of years and see.’ Naseer would tell them, ‘Just go now, forget about it.'”
Naseeruddin Shah highlights life’s struggles
Naseeruddin’s choice to act is not about quick results or short-term success. As Ratna explained, his view is that one must be prepared to endure a lifelong struggle. She continued, “Are you prepared to wait forever? Are you prepared to put up with everything? All the waste, all the disappointment? All the pain? There is a lot of pain. So unless you really feel like you are going to die if you don’t act, it’s best not to go into this business.”
Ratna Pathak Shah’s value balance in career
If Naseeruddin sees it as the ultimate test of commitment, Ratna sees it differently. She admitted that she enjoys acting with great seriousness, but she also values other parts of life. For her, passion and balance can go hand in hand.
