Naseeruddin Shah Biography: A Living Legend of Indian Cinema

Naseeruddin Shah Biography: A Living Legend of Indian Cinema.Discover the complete biography of Naseeruddin Shah, Indian actor and film icon — from early life and education to career, awards, family, height, and net worth.

Who is Naseeruddin Shah?

Naseeruddin Shah is a legendary Indian actor, director, and activist, widely recognized for his contributions to parallel and mainstream Indian cinema. Known for his intense performances and unique screen presence, Naseeruddin Shah has left an indelible mark on Bollywood and global cinema alike. With a career spanning over four decades, he has become an icon of artistic excellence.

Naseeruddin Shah Early Life and Birth Place

Naseeruddin Shah was born on July 20, 1950, in Barabanki, Uttar Pradesh, India. His birth place is often associated with rich cultural history, which perhaps influenced his passion for theatre and performance from an early age.

Naseeruddin Shah Parents and Family Background

Naseeruddin Shah was born into a Muslim family. His father, Aley Mohammed Shah, was an army officer, and his mother was a homemaker. Naseeruddin Shah's parents played a significant role in instilling discipline and values in him, which are reflected in his personality and career choices.

Naseeruddin Shah Education

Naseeruddin Shah completed his early education at St. Anselm's Ajmer and later attended Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) for his graduation. He later joined the prestigious National School of Drama (NSD) in Delhi. His time at NSD shaped his acting skills and exposed him to India's finest theater minds.

Keywords: Naseeruddin Shah education, Naseeruddin Shah NSD, Naseeruddin Shah university

Naseeruddin Shah Zodiac Sign

Born on July 20, Naseeruddin Shah’s zodiac sign is Cancer — often associated with creativity, emotion, and deep sensitivity, which truly mirrors his acting style.

Naseeruddin Shah Career Overview

Naseeruddin Shah began his acting career in the 1975 classic film "Nishant", directed by Shyam Benegal. He quickly rose to prominence through his roles in art films such as Sparsh, Manthan, Aakrosh, and Mirch Masala. Shah also showcased his versatility in commercial hits like Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro, Tridev, Sarfarosh, and Iqbal.

He has appeared in over 100 films, and his work extends beyond Indian cinema — including international projects such as The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen alongside Sean Connery.

Keywords: Naseeruddin Shah career, Naseeruddin Shah movies, Naseeruddin Shah international films

Top List of Naseeruddin Shah Films

🎬 A Wednesday
🎬 Sparsh
🎬 Masoom
🎬 Sarfarosh
🎬 Iqbal
🎬 Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro
🎬 The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen
🎬 The Dirty Picture
🎬 Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara

Top List of Naseeruddin Shah Dramas

🎭 The Father
🎭 Ismat Apa Ke Naam
🎭 Waiting for Godot
🎭 Dear Liar
🎭 Julius Caesar

He is also co-founder of the renowned Motley Theatre Group, which has produced many successful stage plays across India.

List of Naseeruddin Shah Achievements and Awards

🏆 Padma Shri (1987)

🏆 Padma Bhushan (2003)

🏆 National Film Awards – Best Actor for Sparsh, Paar, Iqbal

🏆 Filmfare Awards

🏆 Venice Film Festival Recognition

🏆 Sangeet Natak Akademi Award

Naseeruddin Shah Height and Weight

📏 Height: 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm)
⚖️ Weight: Around 70 kg

Naseeruddin Shah Net Worth

As of 2025, Naseeruddin Shah net worth is estimated to be around $50 million USD, derived from acting, directing, stage productions, and international appearances.

Naseeruddin Shah Marriage and Personal Life

Naseeruddin Shah is married to Ratna Pathak Shah, a talented actress herself. The couple shares a deep love for theater and cinema, and they have become a symbol of artistic brilliance in Indian culture.

Naseeruddin Shah Kids Name and Family

👦 Imad Shah – Actor and Musician

👦 Vivaan Shah – Actor
👧 (From his first marriage, he had a daughter, Heeba Shah, also an actress)

Naseeruddin Shah Scandals and Controversies

Over the years, Naseeruddin Shah has been vocal about socio-political issues, which has occasionally led to controversies. He has spoken out on issues related to freedom of speech, religious harmony, and the state of cinema — sometimes attracting backlash but always standing by his principles.

Naseeruddin Shah Contact No & Social Media Accounts

🔹 Note: Personal contact numbers are private and not publicly available for celebrities.

Naseeruddin Shah Social Media Accounts:

📘 Facebook – Not officially active

📷 Instagram – N/A

🐦 Twitter – N/A

📽️ Mostly interacts via interviews, theatre platforms, and media publications.

Final Words on Naseeruddin Shah's Legacy

Naseeruddin Shah is not just an actor — he’s a phenomenon. His journey from Barabanki to becoming a global cinema icon is inspiring for generations of artists and movie lovers. With unmatched talent, integrity, and a deep sense of responsibility toward the craft, he continues to be a powerful voice in Indian arts.