Ratna Pathak Shah-Naseeruddin Shah have been married for over 40 years; still argue on THIS topic: 'I am not...'

Ratna Pathak Shah and Naseeruddin Shah, married in 1982, are both well-known and respected actors across films, theatre, and TV. But despite their shared passion for acting, they often see the profession very differently. Over the years, their conversations at home have revealed many debates about what it truly means to be an actor.

Ratna Pathak Shah recalls ongoing acting debate

In a recent interview with Faye D’Souza on her YouTube channel, the 'Sarabhai vs Sarabhai' actress opened up about her many arguments with Naseeruddin over the job of an actor. She revealed that while she loves acting deeply, she does not see it as a matter of life or death.


Ratna began by recalling one of Naseeruddin’s firm beliefs, “I am going to quote from Naseer, ‘You shouldn’t want to be an actor unless you feel you will die if you don't act.’”

This statement, she admitted, led to many heated exchanges between them, “I am not one of those types. I am sorry. I had lots of arguments with Naseer about this. How can he say that? What happens to me? I don't feel I will die if I can't act!”

For her, acting is deeply enjoyable, but not the sole purpose of her existence. “I love acting, I enjoy it, I do it with extreme concentration and seriousness. But I don't think that is the only thing I want out of life.”

Despite her stand, Naseeruddin’s response was always the same, “He said, no. ‘If you want to be an actor-actor, full-time, career actor then it has to be that important for you.’”

Naseeruddin Shah advises aspiring actors bluntly

The 'Kapoor & Sons' actress also spoke about how Naseeruddin deals with aspiring actors. According to her, many students often approach him with a plan: they tell him they will try for a couple of years and then decide whether to continue. Naseeruddin’s blunt reply often surprises them.

She said, “Lots of acting students come up to him and say, ‘Sir I am going to try for a couple of years and see.’ Naseer would say to them, ‘Just go now, forget about it. You won’t get anything in two years, I can promise you that.’”

Naseeruddin Shah highlights struggles of acting life

For Naseeruddin, the choice to act is not about quick results or short-term success. As Ratna explained, his view is that one must be ready to endure a lifetime of struggle.

She continued, “Are you willing to wait forever? Are you willing to put up with everything? All the rubbish, all the disappointments? All the pain? There is a lot of pain. So, unless you really feel that you are going to die if you don't act, then best not to get into this business.”

Ratna Pathak Shah values balance in career

Where Naseeruddin treats acting as an ultimate test of devotion, Ratna sees it differently. She admitted to enjoying acting with great seriousness, but she also values other parts of life. For her, passion and balance can go hand in hand.