'Condemned to do films I hate': Naseeruddin Shah's career reflection
Actor Naseeruddin Shah recently attended the prestigious Cannes Film Festival for the first time, where his film Manthan was screened in the Cannes Classics section. The film received a standing ovation that lasted 5 minutes, marking a significant milestone in Shah's career. Despite his long-standing association with Indian art-house cinema, this was Shah's first appearance at the festival. In an interview with Indian Express, Shah opened up on his remarkable contribution to Indian cinema.
Shah's pride in 'Manthan' and what the film meant
Shah expressed immense pride in Manthan, a film he would have taken any part in. Recalling the time when he was offered the film, he reflected, "I didn't dream that 48 years later it would be celebrated in the land of Godard and Tati. I wonder if even Shyam thought that this would happen. I just wanted to give as good a performance as I could." Smita Patil and Girish Karnad co-starred in the Shyam Benegal directorial.
'Manthan's social issues continue to be relevant
Shah discussed the social issues highlighted in Manthan, including casteism and patriarchy. He recalled witnessing such discrimination first-hand during filming and expressed his belief that these issues remain relevant today. "What makes the film seem modern is that the topics it touches, whether it is patriarchy or the caste system, or the rewards of a collective effort, are still very much relevant."
'I am stuck in this mediocrity'
Shah also expressed some amount of dissatisfaction with his career. He said, "I'm stuck in this mediocrity, condemned to do it for the rest of my life, to do films I hate which are forgettable as soon as they are made. Theatre has kept me sane." Separately, speaking about his outspoken nature, he added, "I could not bring myself to be complimentary. I have no fear. I don't think I've lost any employment because I've been outspoken."
Know more about 'Manthan's accolades
Manthan is a dramatized portrayal of the inception of India's remarkable dairy cooperative movement, which transformed India from a milk-deficient nation to the world's largest milk producer. It's India's first crowdfunded movie, produced by 5,00,000 dairy farmers who each contributed ₹2 toward its production! Manthan won two National Film Awards in 1977: for Best Feature Film in Hindi and for Best Screenplay, penned by Verghese Kurien and Vijay Tendulkar. It's streaming on ZEE5.
