Youths inspire Naseeruddin Shah

Theatre-crazy Kolkata witnessed thinking star Naseeruddin Shah perform in his directed play 'The Caine Mutiny Court Martial' in the city on Tuesday night.

The play was staged at Kalamandir as a part of the two-day long theatre event titled ´Stage Door´ presented by Leopard Creations and Weaver Studio Centre for Arts.

"The situation of drama today is not different than earlier years. It is a medium of communication. It is a target of communication than entertainment.So we choose those plays that can both entertain audience as well as convey a deep message," Shah said at a press conference.

He agreed that the quality of good theatre writers has reduced than what it used to be in the 1970s.

"Those writers still has relevance. Their words and plays had significance. The stories were ahead of time so they are still equally relevant," he said.

Shah, who received immense recognition for his performance in films like ´Masoom´ and ´Ijaazat´, said that he does not feel that the younger generation do not find interest in theatres.

"I do not feel that the young generation is running away from theatre. I feel inspired when young people come to see theatre," he said.

Speaking about theatres and experiments, Shah said: "Experimentation is good if it results in something. On should reach somewhat of solution for problem you let yourslf. We try to experiment with words. To me words are of paramount importance."

The actor said that he has acted in few interesting movies in recent times- ´The Dirty Picture´, ´Maximum´ and ´Michael´.

The play ´The Caine Mutiny Court Martial´ is a two-hour play that deals with Second World War. In just two acts, it showcases the tragedy of war.

Theatre group ´Motley´ was formed by Naseeruddin Shah along with Tom Alter and Benjamin Gilani in 1979.

(Reporting by Supriyo Hazra)