Renowned actor Naseeruddin Shah recently expressed disappointment with the state of Hindi cinema, highlighting a lack of innovation and substance in Bollywood films. Shah, known for his candid views, called for a shift towards meaningful storytelling over commercial success.
Stagnation in Hindi Cinema
Shah lamented the stagnant nature of Hindi cinema, noting that filmmakers have been producing similar films for the past century. He admitted to ceasing to watch Hindi films altogether due to their repetitive nature and shallow content.
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Loss of Audience Connection
The veteran actor emphasized that while Hindi films may initially attract audiences worldwide with their perceived exoticism and vibrancy, they ultimately fail to sustain interest due to their lack of depth. Shah expressed concern that viewers will grow weary of the formulaic approach employed by Bollywood. The actor said “It disappoints me that we take pride in saying Hindi cinema is 100 years old but we have been making the same films. I have stopped watching Hindi films, I don’t like them at all,”
He also added “Hindustani food is loved everywhere because it has substance. What substance do Hindi films have? Yes, they are being watched everywhere…They say, ‘How exotic, how Indian, how colourful’. Soon they will be bored of it because there is no substance,”
Hope for Change
Despite his pessimism, Shah suggested that there is still hope for Hindi cinema if filmmakers prioritize storytelling and social relevance over profit. He urged serious filmmakers to depict the realities of society authentically, even if it means facing backlash or censorship.
Responsibility of Filmmakers
Shah underscored the responsibility of filmmakers to challenge the status quo and address contemporary issues without fear of reprisal. He drew parallels with Iranian filmmakers who continued to produce films despite government censorship, as well as Indian cartoonist RK Laxman, who remained steadfast in his work during periods of political turmoil.
Looking Ahead
On the professional front, Shah is set to star in the upcoming film “Ul Jalool Ishq” alongside Vijay Varma, Fatima Sana Shaikh, and Sharib Hashmi. Despite his disillusionment with the industry, Shah remains committed to his craft and advocates for meaningful storytelling in Indian cinema.