Naseeruddin Shah Declares 'Only Failures Return to Teach' at National School of Drama
In a candid revelation that has sparked conversation in theatrical circles, celebrated Bollywood actors and National School of Drama alumni Naseeruddin Shah and Ratna Pathak Shah have openly stated that they did not learn the craft of acting during their time at the prestigious institute. The veteran couple, known for their formidable contributions to Indian cinema and theater, shared these insights during a recent interview, shedding light on their educational experiences and subsequent commitment to mentoring.
'No Acting Teacher Worth the Name' at NSD During Their Tenure
Speaking on the podcast Curtain Call With Aahana Kumra, Naseeruddin Shah reflected on his NSD days with striking honesty. "There was no acting teacher worth the name at NSD when I was there," he asserted. While acknowledging that one instructor imparted the discipline of acting, Shah emphasized that the core techniques and artistry of performance were absent from his curriculum. "But as far as the craft of the work itself, apart from gaining experience in acting over several plays over the years, I didn't learn anything about acting while I was at NSD," he elaborated, highlighting a gap in formal training that many might find surprising given the institution's esteemed reputation.
Ratna Pathak Shah echoed this sentiment, noting that even seven years after Naseeruddin's graduation, the situation remained unchanged during her enrollment. "Ditto, when I went to NSD, seven years later after he had passed out, even till then they had not figured out an acting teacher worth anything," she remarked. Naseeruddin promptly added, "They still haven't," suggesting a persistent issue within the institution's pedagogical framework.
Turning Experience into Educational Responsibility
This perceived deficiency in acting instruction has become a driving force behind Naseeruddin Shah's frequent returns to NSD as a guest lecturer. He articulated a poignant philosophy behind his involvement: "Only the failures come back to teach at NSD. That is why I considered it my responsibility to help these kids." Far from positioning himself as an infallible expert, Shah views teaching as a mutually enriching endeavor. "I don't consider myself as a know it at all, but since I started working with students, I have learnt more about acting than what I have learnt in the 30-40 years of my life," he confessed, underscoring how mentoring has deepened his own understanding and mastery of the craft.
This commitment to education extends beyond NSD, as evidenced by Shah's recent public engagement with academic institutions. In a column for The Indian Express, he detailed being disinvited from a Mumbai University event and criticized the university for not apologizing and falsely claiming he refused to appear. This incident ignited widespread debate, highlighting Shah's ongoing advocacy for transparency and respect in educational collaborations.
Context and Legacy of NSD Alumni
The National School of Drama boasts an illustrious roster of alumni who have significantly shaped Indian performing arts. Alongside Naseeruddin Shah and Ratna Pathak Shah, the institute has nurtured talents such as:
- Om Puri
- Irrfan Khan
- Anupam Kher
- Nawazuddin Siddiqui
- Pankaj Tripathi
- Neena Gupta
- Piyush Mishra
Despite the critical observations from the Shahs, NSD remains a cornerstone of theatrical education in India, producing generations of actors who have achieved national and international acclaim. The couple's reflections invite a broader discussion on the evolution of acting pedagogy and the role of experiential learning versus formal training in the arts.
Naseeruddin Shah's dedication to teaching, born from his own educational shortfalls, exemplifies a profound sense of duty towards nurturing the next generation of performers. His journey from student to mentor illustrates how perceived failures can transform into powerful motivations for contribution and growth within the artistic community.
