Naseeruddin Shah, Let’s Talk About the Mediocre Films You’ve Made

A much needed reality check for actor Naseeruddin Shah on ‘mediocrity’.

Naseeruddin Shah on mediocrity and Rajesh Khanna (Photo Courtesy: Jackpot poster, altered by The Quint)

I know a lot of people who have immense respect for actor Naseeruddin Shah – for the actor that he is and for the great films and memorable characters he has given us. I am one of them. But it looks like he has forgotten that he has been a part of some really crass, B-grade fare.

In an interview with Hindustan Times, Mr Shah decides to blame yesteryear star Rajesh Khanna for mediocrity in Hindi cinema, and we can’t help but detect a serious case of double standards.

It was the 70’s when mediocrity came in Hindi films. That’s when the actor called Rajesh Khanna joined the industry. For all his success, I think Mr Khanna was a very limited actor. In fact, he was a poor actor. Intellectually, he wasn’t the most alert person I have ever met. His taste ruled the industry.

Naseeruddin Shah

Naturally, this comment didn’t go down well with Rajesh Khanna’s daughter Twinkle Khanna. She took to Twitter to express her thoughts on it.

And just like us, her best friend and filmmaker Karan Johar could not agree more.

So here is something just for you Mr. Shah – it’s called a REALITY CHECK. Let’s talk about mediocrity in your films.

Jackpot (2013)

Naseeruddin Shah plays the boss of a casino in Goa in Jackpot and that’s the only thing you need to know because there is nothing more to it. You cannot miss those dreadlocks and gaudy clothes.

Teraa Surroor (2016)

He worked in a Himesh Reshammiya film.....nuff said!

Welcome Back (2015)

Not mediocre at all, oh no.

Chargesheet (2011)

Now, if this film is listed in your filmography, I think you should refrain from calling others out on mediocrity. Directed by Dev Anand, this film is so unique that I couldn’t find a trailer so here is some behind-the-scene visuals for you guys.

Sona Spa (2013)

This one has to be watched over and over again to be understood, “really, this was actually made?” I swear I judged him completely because he was even doing the film promotions.

And just to make it clear, these are only 5 out of innumerable mediocre and worse-than-mediocre films that Naseeruddin Shah has been a part of. Like they say, “jinke ghar sheeshe ke hote hain ... woh batti bujhakar kapde badalte hain.”

(With input from Hindustan Times)