Bollywood stalwart Naseeruddin Shah has graced the industry with his exceptional acting prowess for nearly five decades, leaving an indelible mark on every project he undertakes. Known for his candid opinions, he fearlessly expresses his views not only about the film fraternity but also about the ruling party. In a recent critique of certain award shows, the veteran actor unveiled an unconventional use for his Filmfare trophies—they serve as door handles in his farmhouse.
Shah recently made headlines with his take on “The Kerala Story,” starring Adah Sharma, accusing the film of being a propaganda piece and chastising its creators. Speculation has long circulated that Naseeruddin Shah repurposes his accolades as door handles in his residence. Confirming the rumors, the esteemed actor candidly condemned award shows for their apparent “lobbying” practices. During an interview with Lallantop, he shared, “I no longer find value in these trophies. Initially, receiving them brought me joy. However, as the trophies accumulated, I realized that these awards are often a product of behind-the-scenes politicking. Merit is not necessarily the sole criterion for winning them, so I decided to leave them behind.”
It is not surprising that Naseeruddin Shah holds great regard for the National Awards he has received, including the prestigious Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan. Reflecting on their significance, he revealed, “Upon receiving the Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan, memories of my late father flooded my mind. He was always concerned about my career and would often caution me, saying, ‘If you engage in such futile pursuits, you’ll make a fool of yourself.’ When I went to the Rashtrapati Bhavan to accept these awards, I looked up and silently asked my father if he was witnessing the moment. I believe he was, and it brought me immense happiness. However, I cannot endorse these competitive awards.”
The criticism directed towards award shows has been ongoing, with accusations of favoritism towards well-known figures within the industry. Expressing his discontent, the acclaimed actor known for his role in “A Wednesday” stated, “Every actor who dedicates their life and efforts to a role is a good actor. It seems unjust to single out one individual from a pool and declare them the best actor of the year. I take no pride in such awards. In fact, I did not even bother collecting my last two awards.” Confirming the authenticity of the rumors surrounding his unconventional use of awards, Shah humorously added, “Therefore, when I constructed my farmhouse, I decided to adorn it with these awards. Those who visit the washroom are greeted by two awards on each handle, lovingly crafted from my Filmfare trophies.”
