Two stalwarts of Indian cinema graced the stage of The Anupam Kher Show this Sunday and gave a rare glimpse into their enriched lives. Read on to know some lesser known facts of Naseeruddin Shah and Om Puri.
1. Naseeruddin’s has completed Golden Jubilee in acting

It has been more than 50 years that Naseer has been acting. Starting at the young age of 14, the first play Naseer performed was in his school titled ‘Merchant of Venice.’ It was a play he organized with a few of his friends and the first time he went on stage in life he felt intense fear. He said, “It takes a while to get adjusted to the bright lights but the moment I spoke my first line the audiences’ laughed and I was so happy. It was the first time ever someone had listened to what I said. It was the first time I was noticed. At that moment changed my life.”

2.Naseeruddin and Om Puri are extreme introverts

It may seem odd to know but these two brilliant actors actually grew up as extreme introverts. Both initially took time to open up and express themselves. While Naseer was a shy child and felt he never lived to his father’s expectations Om, on the other hand, would always be scared to talk especially to girls and would never open up in front of anyone.

3.The two were classmates in National School of Drama

The two have learned their skills of acting from the National School of Drama and were good classmates back then. Naseer felt N.S.D were the three happiest years of his life and for Om the school gave his life a new direction. “The first time we introduced ourselves to each other I remember hearing his voice and telling myself, ‘wow I wish I had a voice like that,” Naseer said.

4. Om had complex issues

Naseeruddin comes from a convent school background and Om from a Punjabi Medium school. This caused the latter to have complex issues while acting in N.S.D. And when Om was about to give up, their mentor Qaidi Saheb pushed him to improve in his language skills and today he has done more than 20 movies in English.

5. Naseeruddin is envious of Om

Om believes there are two types of feelings towards your peers. It could be enviousness or competition and Naseeruddin claims he feels envious of Om. “I was jealous of Om when he got to work in so many English movies. And who knew an actor of good English speaking skills like me would get to play a P{unjabi guy from Delhi and he would get to play Muslim living in London!”

6. They both are critical of each other’s work

While the two share a healthy relationship when it comes to work none hesitate in pointing out mistakes in each other’s work. Naseer feels Om is the only friend in his life to whom he can be honest and critique his work without any fear. And Om appreciates when Naseer has shown pride in his work.

7. Om Puri is more romantic

In the episode Naseer didn’t hesitate in revealing that Om Puri is more of a romantic than he likes to show. During their N.S.D days Om would bring flowers and sweets for the ladies and charm them. But in defense Om had a good point to make. “Guys like Naseer just had to speak fluent English and ladies would be charmed by his words. It was me who had to make all types of efforts and beg for the girls’ attention!”

8. 44 years of glorious friendship

It’s been 44 years that these two actor-cum-friends have shared their journey together. From becoming friends at N.S.D to even studying together in the Film Institute and to then acting in Bollywood, these two have come a long way. Om said, “In my case you can say that my parents gave me birth, but I was brought up by my friends which definitely includes Naseer.”

9. Naseer was Om’s motivation

After completing three years in N.S.D Naseer got enrolled in the Film Institute and during holidays when he met Om, he made sure he joins the Institute with him. While Om denied on the basis of insufficient finances, but Naseer didn’t hear any excuses and got him back with him. “If it wasn’t for Naseer I probably wouldn’t have made it and become what I’m today.”

10. Kuch Bhi Ho Sakta Hai moment

When two such stalwarts share their journeys and tell us how they achieved their dreams, you really ought to think that Life mein Kuch Bhi Ho Sakta Hai!  This is what they had to say.

Om Puri: A six-year old child washing tea glasses at roadside is today Om Puri. Truly Kuch Bhi Ho Sakta Hai!

Naseeruddin Shah: I will give the same example as Om. I firmly believe that when in life paths intertwine and whatever you get in life, however the experiences you should embrace it. Because you never know, Kuch Bhi Ho Sakta Hai.