After flop, Naseer refuses to direct again

His directorial debut did poorly at the box office.

MUMBAI: As an actor, Naseeruddin Shah has delivered master strokes but when he wielded the megaphone in 2006 for Yun Hota Toh Kya Hota, it couldn’t hit the bull’s eye. He was so disappointed with the film’s failure that he has decided not to go behind the camera again.

A master of his craft, the 62-year-old actor won National Awards for his work in Sparsh, Paar and Iqbal. He has been consistent in delivering good work on the big screen for about four decades, but is disappointed with his work as a director.

“You will never see me directing again. I was personally very disappointed with my film,” Naseeruddin Shah told reporters during the press conference of his film Sona Spa, about buying sleep.

“Had I gotten one more chance to make the film again, I would have done a better job. It’s a very difficult job to make a film. I admire those who are doing some wonderful work in this area,” he added.

He had roped in some of the best actors such as Paresh Rawal, Irrfan and Jimmy Sheirgil, among others, for Yun Hota Toh Kya Hota, but the film still failed to yield satisfactory results.

Sona Spa is being directed by Makarand Deshpande. Naseer, who plays a role in the movie, says he admires his determination.

“Makarand has a very fertile mind. After one film I have given up but I really admire him and his quality of work,” said the veteran.

When asked what keeps him going as an actor, he said, “Personally, I should enjoy the work and that’s my priority. For the last three to four years, none of my films have turned out well, but I don’t regret anything because my priority is to enjoy the work I do.”

Published in The Express Tribune, January 25^th, 2013.              

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