In a bold and candid statement, veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah took aim at the state of Hindi cinema, lamenting the lack of depth and focus on financial gain over artistic merit.
Addressing an event in the capital, Shah expressed his disappointment with the current filmmaking landscape, calling for a shift in priorities.
Shah, known for his powerful performances in acclaimed films like "Masoom" and "A Wednesday," s his disenchantment with contemporary Bollywood.
He criticised the industry's lack of innovation, stating that audiences are witnessing the same tropes repeatedly for over a century.
The veteran actor highlighted the disconnect between the content produced and its global viewership.
While audiences worldwide initially find it "exotic" and "colourful," the lack of substance ultimately leads to boredom, Shah warned.
“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,” the 73-year-old said.
Shah added that Indians all over the world go to watch Hindi films because it is their connection with their home but soon everyone will be fed up.
He compared this phenomenon to "Hindustani food," loved globally for its depth and flavour, unlike the superficiality he sees in mainstream Hindi films.
"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,” the “Masoom” actor said.
He believes it is the responsibility of "serious filmmakers" to show the reality of society.
"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. There is no solution any more because the films that are being watched by thousands will keep being produced and people will keep watching them, god knows till when.
Shah placed the onus on "serious filmmakers" to challenge the status quo and showcase the realities of Indian society.
He acknowledged the challenges such filmmakers face, citing threats like fatwas and government scrutiny, but emphasized the importance of their contribution.
"So 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,” Shah said.
Shah drew inspiration from Iranian filmmakers who persevered despite restrictions and cartoonist R.K. Laxman, who continued his critical work during the Emergency. He urged Indian filmmakers to follow suit, prioritizing meaningful storytelling over commercial success.
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