Legendary actor Naseeruddin Shah’s nephew, Major Mohommed Ali Shah who is a motivational speaker, defence personality and strategic expert on TV panels in real life will be seen portraying the role of a “Sutradhar” in National award-winning filmmaker Tigmanshu Dhulia’s upcoming film Yaara. We got into a candid conversation with Mohommed Ali Shah to know more about his experience in Yaara, what all he learnt from Naseeruddin Shah when it comes to acting, and a lot more. Read the conversation below –
To begin with, tell us a bit about your experience working with Tigmanshu Dhulia. How is he on sets?
Tigmanshu Dhulia is a perfectionist, yet he is very easygoing and makes actors feel very comfortable on the sets. Since he himself is a trained actor from the National School of Drama and that too such an outstanding actor, he understands the psyche of actor’s very well. He pays a lot of attention to detail.
You are someone who believes in looking like the character more than focusing on looking ‘good’ on-screen. Do you feel that the latter is absolutely not necessary?
I personally feel it is not about looking good but feeling good from within. As an actor, I believe in internalising the character and that’s how I manage to make it come out externally as well. Unless and until I am convinced about the character, I will not be able to convince others about it. I am an artist who wants to be known as a master craftsman of his trade. I am not after glamour, glitter, fame or money. What stimulates me is my passion and hunger to better myself towards my craft. Yes, good looks are totally unnecessary. The audience appreciates talent and not the frills.
You grew your hair long, left smoking completely, learnt to tie a turban yourself and also spent time in the Gurdwara. All this to do justice for a character? Do you go to this extent always for any role or is it because it’s a Tigmanshu Dhulia film and a great opportunity to showcase your talent further?
I didn’t do it just for the role only, but for my own growth as a human being. Because I believe that to be a good actor, one has to be a good human being first. The process was enjoyable. Since it is not about reaching a destination but enjoying the journey. And yes, I would work equally hard for any other role or a filmmaker because, at the end of the day, I want to be true to myself.
The great Naseeruddin Shah is your uncle. He is an institution in himself when it comes to acting. What all creative inputs has he given you so that you become better as an actor?
I am very lucky and fortunate to have an institution like Naseer sahab in the family from whom I have learnt so much. In the year 2001, I attended his acting workshops with the final year students of the National School of Drama. There were only three outsider students who had got special permission to attend the classes. They were Shahid Kapoor, Randeep Hooda and me. Shahid and Randeep moved back to Mumbai and became stars. I may not have become a hero in films however, I definitely had the honour of marching besides real-life heroes in the Army while I did my Short Service Commission in the Army. I am on the same note as Naseer sahab who says that acting is actually a very non-glamorous profession and one has to really toil and put in all the hard work and labour in this profession. It is a very heartbreaking industry and so one has to have nerves of steel to withstand and endure hardships and heartbreaks. I learnt that one has to be extremely passionate about one’s work to succeed.
Lastly, what are your expectations from the audience post the release of Yaara?
I can’t talk about my work because it is up to the audience to like it. I can only talk about how hard I have worked in it. In fact, not just me but the whole team has worked hard and my method of preparing for the character was very satisfying. Yaara would be a make or a break for my career in films and it is the audience who will decide that. I am hoping for the best but also simultaneously preparing for the worst. I am certain that Yaara is going to be a game-changer for the entire team.