Naseeruddin Shah, born on July 20, 1949, in Barabanki, Uttar Pradesh, India, is a highly respected and influential figure in Indian cinema. He is known for his exceptional acting skills and his contributions to both mainstream and parallel cinema.
Shah was born into a Muslim family and grew up in Mumbai (then known as Bombay). His father, Aley Mohammed Shah, was a military officer, and his mother, Farrukh Sultan, was a housewife. Shah developed an interest in acting at a young age and participated in school plays and performances.
After completing his schooling, Shah enrolled in the National School of Drama (NSD) in New Delhi. There, he honed his acting skills and trained under renowned theater personalities such as Ebrahim Alkazi. His time at NSD played a crucial role in shaping his acting style and approach.
Naseeruddin Shah made his acting debut in 1975 with the film “Nishant,” directed by Shyam Benegal. The film received critical acclaim and marked the beginning of his successful acting career. He became associated with the parallel cinema movement, also known as the Indian New Wave, which focused on realistic and socially relevant storytelling.

Average Earning Remuneration
Estimated Net Worth | Rs. 380 Crore INR |
Annual Income | Rs. 20 Crore INR |
Houses | Rs. 20 Crore INR |
Luxury Cars | Rs. 9 Crore INR |
Naseeruddin Shah Net Worth
Net Worth in 2023 | $50 Million |
Net Worth in 2022 | $48 Million |
Net Worth in 2021 | $43 Million |
Net Worth in 2020 | $40 Million |
Net Worth in 2019 | $35 Million |
Net Worth in 2018 | $28 Million |
Naseeruddin Shah Biography
Real Name | Naseeruddin Shah |
Nick Name | Naseeruddin Shah |
Birth Place | Barabanki, Uttar Pradesh, India |
Date Of Birth | July 20, 1949 |
Age | 72 years |
Height | 5 ft 10 in |
Weight | 73 kg |
Eye Colour | Dark brown |
Hair Colour | White |
School | St. Anselm’s Ajmer and St Joseph’s College, Nainital |
College | Aligarh Muslim University |
Religion | Muslim |
Nationality | Indian |
Zodiac Sign | Cancer |
Gender | Male |
Sexual Orientation | Straight |
Kids | Vivaan Shah, Heeba Shah, Imaad Shah |
Profession | Actor |
Affairs | N/A |
Girlfriend | N/A |
Spouse | Ratna Pathak Shah |
Divorce | N/A |
Parents Name | Father – Farrukh Sultan Mother – Aley Mohammed Shah |
Siblings | Zameer Uddin Shah |
Estimated Net Worth | Rs. 380 Crore INR |
Career and Awards
Film Career:
- Naseeruddin Shah made his film debut in 1975 with “Nishant,” directed by Shyam Benegal. The film received critical acclaim and marked the beginning of his successful acting journey.
- He became associated with the parallel cinema movement in India and acted in several art films that explored social issues and realism.
- Shah has appeared in a wide range of films, spanning various genres, including dramas, comedies, thrillers, and adaptations of literary works.
- He has collaborated with acclaimed directors such as Shyam Benegal, Govind Nihalani, Kundan Shah, Vishal Bhardwaj, and many others.
- In addition to Hindi cinema, Shah has also acted in English-language films, including “The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen” (2003) and “Today’s Special” (2009).
Theater Career:
- Alongside his film career, Naseeruddin Shah has been actively involved in theater.
- He has acted in and directed numerous stage plays, including adaptations of renowned works such as “Waiting for Godot” and “The Zoo Story.”
- Shah co-founded the theater group Motley Productions along with Benjamin Gilani and Tom Alter, which has produced several acclaimed plays.
Awards and Recognitions:
- Naseeruddin Shah has been honored with numerous awards for his outstanding contributions to Indian cinema and theater.
- He has received multiple National Film Awards, including the National Film Award for Best Actor for his performances in “Paar” (1984), “Iqbal” (2006), and “Sparsh” (1980).
- Shah has won several Filmfare Awards, including the Filmfare Award for Best Actor for “Masoom” (1983) and the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award in 2000.
- He was honored with the Padma Shri in 2003 and the Padma Bhushan in 2013, two of India’s highest civilian awards, for his significant contributions to the arts.
Top Hit Movies
- “Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro” (1983): Directed by Kundan Shah, this cult classic comedy film is known for its satirical take on corruption and Indian society. Shah’s performance as the idealistic photographer Vinod Chopra is highly regarded.
- “Masoom” (1983): In this drama directed by Shekhar Kapur, Shah played the role of DK, a man confronted with the revelation of his illegitimate child. The film received critical acclaim for its sensitive portrayal of relationships, and Shah’s performance was widely appreciated.
- “Sparsh” (1980): Directed by Sai Paranjpye, this film revolves around the relationship between a blind school principal (played by Shah) and a young widow. Shah’s portrayal of the blind man was highly acclaimed, earning him the National Film Award for Best Actor.
- “Mirch Masala” (1987): Directed by Ketan Mehta, this film is set in colonial India and follows the story of a brave woman who resists the advances of a powerful local official. Shah delivered a powerful performance as the tyrannical official, showcasing his versatility as an actor.
- “Iqbal” (2005): In this sports drama directed by Nagesh Kukunoor, Shah played the role of a cricket coach who helps a deaf and mute boy achieve his dreams of becoming a cricketer. His portrayal of the coach brought depth and empathy to the character.
- “Paar” (1984): Directed by Goutam Ghose, this film tells the story of a poor couple who become victims of exploitation and oppression. Shah’s performance as Naurangia, a boatman caught in the web of corruption, earned him critical acclaim.
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Conclusion
Naseeruddin Shah is an acclaimed and highly respected figure in Indian cinema and theater. Throughout his career spanning over four decades, he has showcased his immense talent and versatility as an actor.
From art films to commercial hits, Shah has consistently delivered outstanding performances that have captivated audiences and critics alike.His collaborations with renowned directors and his ability to bring depth and authenticity to his characters have made him one of the most revered actors in India.
Naseeruddin Shah Education
Naseeruddin Shah received his early education in Mumbai (formerly Bombay), Maharashtra, India. He completed his schooling at St. Joseph’s School in Mumbai. However, specific details about his higher education are not widely available or documented.
After completing his schooling, Shah pursued his passion for acting and enrolled in the National School of Drama (NSD) in New Delhi. NSD is one of India’s premier institutions for theater training and is renowned for producing talented actors and directors. At NSD, Shah received formal training in various aspects of theater, including acting techniques, voice modulation, stagecraft, and script analysis.
It was at NSD that Naseeruddin Shah refined his skills as an actor and honed his craft under the guidance of esteemed theater personalities like Ebrahim Alkazi. His time at the National School of Drama played a pivotal role in shaping his approach to acting and laid the foundation for his successful career in the entertainment industry.