Naseeruddin Shah Advocates for Bold Films That Tackle Religion

Naseeruddin Shah made an appearance at the 77th Cannes Film Festival, where his 1976 film, Manthan, was screened in the Cannes Classic section.

Naseeruddin Shah has always been a bold actor. He has been outspoken and never shied away from speaking his mind. Shah has often expressed strong opinions on freedom of speech and the political influence on cinema. The actor is currently attending the Cannes 2024 International Film Festival and, during an interview with Brut, expressed his interest in working on a ‘courageous‘ film about religion.

Naseeruddin was asked which contemporary social issue he would choose for a film if given the opportunity. He opined, “I would say religion. I think courageous films should be made about this factor which seems to be on all our minds. This, to my mind, is one of the most harmful things that have happened to humanity, and that is why I consider a film that I did in Pakistan many years ago called Khuda Kay Liye, which was an important film, equally as important as Manthan.”

He further said, “Some people are attempting to do that and gradually their numbers may multiply, but it’s still not easy to make a direct statement, and one has to couch one’s message in a palatable form.”

Naseeruddin Shah Attends the Screening of Manthan

Recently, Naseeruddin Shah, his wife Ratna Pathak Shah, and late actor co-star Smita Patil’s son Prateik Babbar, along with Dr. Kurien’s daughter Nirmala Kurien and Amul MD Jayen Mehta, attended the screening of Manthan. The movie had been selected in the Cannes Classics Section. The film also featured Girish Karnad, Smita Patil, and Amrish Puri in leading roles.

Coming to Naseeruddin’s Work Front the actor was last seen in the drama series Showtime (2024), starring Emraan Hashmi, Mouni Roy, Rajiv Khandelwal, Shriya Saran, Vijay Raaz, and Mahima Makwana in crucial roles. The actor will now be seen in Vibhu Puri’s Ul Jalool Ishq.