Ratna Pathak Shah on life with Naseeruddin Shah: 'Made my peace with being second to work'

Naseeruddin Shah and Ratna Pathak Shah are one of the most iconic and influential couples in Indian cinema. Their marriage has endured despite the fact that they have taken very different paths in their professional lives. Ratna discussed the camaraderie, mutual regard, and passion for the craft that have kept their connection healthy over the decades at a recent panel discussion at the FICCI Flo Hyderabad event.

Dive into critically acclaimed classics like Mandi, Manthan, Firaaq, and Ardh Satya — now streaming on OTTplay Premium

Naseeruddin and Ratna Pathak Shah's friendship as the foundation

Ratna reflected on the foundation of their long-lasting friendship; it had been the most fantastic, fun ride she could have imagined. The most valuable thing is the friendship that has endured, even though she didn't think it was feasible to establish one in such a close-knit environment. They work together, and that's how their friendship began. Gatherings of experts in the same subject have her full support. As a means of mutual aid and the discovery of shared interests, it is undeniably priceless.

The renowned actor admitted that there are unique difficulties associated with sharing an industry, particularly when one's professional trajectory changes. She conceded that professions don't always follow a linear trajectory and that "things happen that are much more conducive for one person than the other", among other factors. 

Being married to a friend can help overcome these issues because one can always find a common ground, she said, emphasising how their friendship has helped them navigate their differences.

Ratna Pathak Shah's admiration for Naseeruddin Shah's craft

Naseeruddin's giving personality and unfaltering dedication to his work were among the qualities that Ratna praised. As an actor and director, she truly appreciates his undivided attention to his craft, and he is also the most kind and accommodating collaborator. The actor-filmmaker assists each and every one of his cast members in reaching their full potential in his role as director. This is something that she, admittedly, loves and hates about him. Ratna wishes she could be as dedicated to acting as he is, but alas, she is not. Despite her occasional feelings of resentment, she has now accepted that his work comes first.

Their most recent stage performance together, in Old World by Arghya Lahiri, was highly acclaimed, and the duo are still performing together. The most recent cinematic appearances of Naseeruddin and Ratna are in Sonu Sood's directorial debut, Fateh, and the short film Flying Taxi, respectively.

Collaborations across decades

Naseeruddin Shah and Ratna Pathak Shah have worked together in movies, namely Mandi, Encounter: The Killing, Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na, Paheli, and Mirch Masala, to name a few.