Article Updated 13 July, 2003 01:52:06 AM IST   Naseeruddin Shah By Judi Silva ©2003 Bollyvista.com   Be Or Not To Be... For our Star of the Week Naseeruddin Shah, that is the question. The question of which road to travel, as he has at least three spread out before him. Three roads, Bollywood, Hollywood, and the Theatre beckon him to tread their path. He has on several ooccasions walked upon each. Most recently, Hollywood has called and Nasseeruddin has answered. Yesterday's worldwide release of The League of Extraordinary Gentleman placed him in the role of Captain Nemo, freedom fighter for India. He is currently filming Asambhav, for a 2004 release. He has been given several titles as one of India's finest actors, and an icon of New Indian Cinema. His awards include the Padma Bhusham, which was received just this year, along with several from Filmfare. Mr. Shah's love for acting started while he was yet in school. It was then he joined the ranks of the Pune Film Institute, after which he moved on to the National School of Drama in Delhi. In 1975 he was discovered by Director Shyam Benegal, and was cast in Nishaant. He immediately became a favorite of Mr. Benegal and was given several more roles in his films. He has found his niche in the industry with his portrayals of the common man. Even surpassing those of his contemporaries, he executed an awesome performance of Gandhi himself. Although not necessarily a method actor, his dedication for his roles prompted him to spend a week at a school for the blind in preparation for Sparsh in 1980. His most intense role to date, it has been said, is Albert Pinto Ko Gussa Kyon Aata Hai, where he plays a mechanic from Goa. But his versatility has given him the opportunity to play a numerous variety of characters, especially in the line of comedy, as in Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron. Even though he loves the silver screen, his passion for theatre far exceeds it. He believes it gives him a chance to re-explore and challenge his acting abilities. His theatre company named Motely Crew, has afforded him to experience another medium, at times when he finds himself taking a sabbatical from the cinema. His play Ismat Apa Ke Naam, includes his wife and daughter as characters also. Together they weave three stories which not only capture but hold the audience's rapt attention as they unfold. The performances are complete in their monologues, without props or elaborate stage setup. "Imagination is the key," Naseeruddin says. "It's the kind of theatre which creates a castle in the mind of the audience and not on the stage." So whether your passion is drama, action, comedy, or the stage you can find this multi-talented thespian in the wings, waiting to entertain you with his magic.   close   Print this Article http://www.bollyvista.com   http://www.bollyvista.com/article/a/36/691