Naseeruddin Shah, the veteran actor renowned for his profound performances, has recently voiced his disillusionment with the state of Hindi cinema. Speaking at ‘Meer Ki Dilli, Shahjahanabad: The Evolving City’ in New Delhi, Shah lamented the stagnation that has gripped Bollywood for decades. He expressed his belief that the industry could only progress if films were crafted with artistic integrity rather than mere commercial interests.

A Century of Repetition

Shah criticized the lack of evolution in Hindi filmmaking, pointing out that despite celebrating a century of existence, the industry continues to churn out repetitive content. “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 remarked, emphasizing his disapproval.

Substance Over Superficiality

Drawing parallels between cinema and cuisine, Shah highlighted the essence that distinguishes enduring creations from transient trends. He likened Hindustani food, beloved for its depth of flavor, to the superficial allure of Hindi films. “What substance do Hindi films have? Yes, they are being watched everywhere…Soon they will be bored of it because there is no substance,” Shah articulated, underscoring the need for meaningful storytelling.

The Responsibility of Filmmakers

In Shah’s view, the onus lies on “serious filmmakers” to depict the realities of society authentically. He advocated for a shift away from viewing films as mere money-making ventures, urging creators to prioritize societal reflection over commercial gains. Despite acknowledging the challenges, Shah urged filmmakers to persevere in their pursuit of truth, drawing inspiration from the resilience of Iranian filmmakers and Indian artists like RK Laxman.

 A Call for Transformation

Naseeruddin Shah’s critique of Bollywood serves as a wake-up call for the industry to prioritize substance over spectacle. While acknowledging the entrenched commercial interests, Shah remains hopeful that a concerted effort towards authenticity and societal relevance can revitalize Hindi cinema.