Archive · 11 Nov 2025
Naseeruddin Shah and Shabana Azmi Reunite, Veteran Actor's Teaching Style Praised
Two famous actors, Naseeruddin Shah and Shabana Azmi, who worked together a lot many years ago, are going to be in a movie together again after a long break.
Shabana Azmi said they used to spend so much time filming together that they were like family.
Another actor, Vijay Varma, shared a story about how Naseeruddin Shah is a very strict but good teacher.
When Vijay Varma was younger, he really wanted to learn from Naseeruddin Shah, who was a visiting teacher at his film school.
Naseeruddin Shah initially wouldn't let Vijay Varma into his class because he thought older students might distract the current ones.
Vijay Varma had to wait outside the whole day, but Naseeruddin Shah eventually let him join the next day.
Vijay Varma felt that working with him for just two months was a big success for his career, noting that Naseeruddin Shah has a very sharp eye and doesn't tolerate mistakes.
Naseeruddin Shah and Shabana Azmi are reuniting for 'Masoom: A New Generation' after 18 years.
The duo were prominent figures in the parallel cinema movement of the 1970s and 1980s, starring in many films together.
Actor Vijay Varma recounted an incident where Naseeruddin Shah initially prevented him from attending his class at FTII.
Naseeruddin Shah's teaching style is described as meticulous and demanding, with a 'sharp eye' for student errors.
Shabana Azmi also shared that Naseeruddin Shah recently gave a rare compliment to producer Manish Malhotra.
- Who
- Naseeruddin Shah, Shabana Azmi, and Vijay Varma
- What
- Naseeruddin Shah and Shabana Azmi are set to reunite on screen after nearly two decades, while actor Vijay Varma shared an anecdote about Shah's strict teaching methods.
- When
- Shah and Azmi are reuniting for a film set for future release; Varma's anecdote refers to Shah's time as guest faculty at FTII and their recent work together.
- Where
- FTII (Film & Television Institute of India) in Pune; India.
- Why
- The reunion marks a significant on-screen comeback for the acclaimed duo, and Varma's story highlights Shah's reputation as a demanding but influential mentor.
Vijay Varma's Perspective
Naseeruddin Shah's (Reported) Rationale
Initial Access to Class
Vijay Varma's Perspective
Vijay Varma was initially denied entry to Naseeruddin Shah's class at FTII due to being a senior, forcing him to wait outside.
Naseeruddin Shah's (Reported) Rationale
Naseeruddin Shah apparently refused entry to Varma and a friend because he believed seniors might distract current students during the class.
Teaching Rigor
Vijay Varma's Perspective
Naseeruddin Shah is described as meticulous with a sharp eye, capable of quickly identifying and addressing mistakes, implying a demanding teaching style.
Naseeruddin Shah's (Reported) Rationale
Shah's intense scrutiny and the warning 'If you try to be smart about it, boss you’re gone!' suggests a rigorous and unforgiving approach to teaching.
- Naseeruddin Shah and Shabana Azmi Reunion
- Reuniting for 'Masoom: A New Generation' after 18 years.
- Past Collaborations
- Starred together in several 1970s and 1980s parallel cinema films like 'Nishant' and 'Mandi'.
- Manish Malhotra Compliment
- Naseeruddin Shah called Manish Malhotra 'one of the best producers he’s ever worked with'.
- Vijay Varma's Aspiration
- Dreamed of learning from Naseeruddin Shah since age 20.
- Teaching Incident
- Vijay Varma waited outside Shah's class at FTII for a day before being allowed in.
- Duration of Learning
- Two months with Naseeruddin Shah made Vijay Varma's life successful.
Sources
Naseeruddin Shah’s public criticism of my work was ‘distasteful’, says Farhan Akhtar: ‘He’s known me since I was a child, could’ve called me’
Farhaan Akhtar Calls Out Naseeruddin Shah's 'Completely Fake' Bhaag Milkha Bhaag Criticism: Only Thing I Didn't Like...
Naseeruddin Shah responds as Farhan Akhtar calls him out for ‘distasteful remarks’: ‘My statement has been exaggerated’
Naseeruddin Shah Reacts To Farhan Akhtar's "Distasteful" Remark On Bhaag Milkha Bhaag Row: "My Comment Has Been Exaggerated"
