Renowned actor Naseeruddin Shah has voiced his disappointment with Hindi cinema, expressing a desire for improvement in film content beyond profit-driven motives. Speaking at the event “Meer Ki Dilli, Shahjahanabad: The Evolving City” in New Delhi, the 73-year-old actor lamented the lack of evolution in Hindi films over the past century.
Shah remarked, “It really 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 emphasized the need for substance in Hindi cinema, drawing a parallel with Hindustani food, which is loved globally for its richness.
The veteran actor criticized the current state of Hindi films, stating, “What substance do Hindi films have? Yes, they are being watched everywhere… They say, ‘how exotic, how Indian, how colorful’. Soon they will be bored of it because there is no substance.”
Shah believes that serious filmmakers hold the key to revitalizing Hindi cinema by portraying the realities of society. He urged a shift away from viewing films solely as money-making ventures, stating, “There is hope for Hindi cinema only if we stop seeing them as means for making money. But I feel it’s too late now.”
Expressing concern over the continuous production and consumption of formulaic films, Shah remarked, “Those who want to make serious films, it’s their responsibility to show today’s reality and in such a way that they don’t get a fatwa or ED doesn’t come knocking on their doors.”
In a comparative note, Shah highlighted the resilience of Iranian filmmakers who continued to create despite suppression from authorities. He also referenced Indian cartoonist RK Laxman, who persisted in creating cartoons during the days of emergency.
