Happy Birthday Naseeruddin Shah: Five reasons why the veteran performer is a stalwart when it comes to acting

One of most prolific actors we have seen in decades, Naseeruddin Shah turns 73 today. Known for his wide variety of characters in mainstream, parallel cinema and even Hollywood, the septuagenarian has carved a niche for himself with path-breaking performances, ranging from comedy to thriller to both negative and emotional roles. Off-screen, the veteran actor often courts controversy over issues related to cinema, politics and the like. On his big day today, we bring to you five of his most earnest performances...

A common man has never looked more powerful on screen! Prakash Rathod (Anupam Kher), a retired police commissioner recounts the most memorable case of his career wherein he was informed about a bomb scare in Mumbai by an ordinary commoner. The commoner is none other than Naseeruddin Shah, who, one fine day decides to 'clean his house' through an outwardly sinister, but inwardly noble and brilliant plan.

Two amateur photographers, who are employed by a newspaper editor to expose the scandalous activities of the rich, come across corruption by a builder and accidentally photograph a murder. Considered to be one of the best comedies ever produced in tinsel town, the movie brings together a bunch of brilliant performers namely Om Puri, Satish Shah, Pankaj Kapur and others, with Naseeruddin starring as the eccentric, but hilarious photographer Vinod Chopra. Considered to be a timeless tale, the Kundan Shah directed movie has achieved cult status over the years.

Iqbal, a young boy hard of hearing and without speech, dreams of playing in the Indian cricket team. When his condition hinders his selection, he asks a retired coach to train him. Naseeruddin Shah stars as the alcoholic coach Mohit, who, after initial scepticism, is able to train Iqbal in a nearby field, using his buffaloes as fielders. Co-starring Shreyas Talpade in the eponymous role.

Devendra Kumar's (Naseeruddin Shah) family life is disrupted when he discovers he has an illegitimate child from a past affair. He brings the young boy, Rahul, home, but his wife, Indu, fails to accept the child. Over a period of time, Indu and Devendra's kids get close to Rahul and after immense trepidation, Indu too warms up to him. Co-starring Shabana Azmi, along with Jugal Hansraj and Urmila as child actors.

After his brother is killed and father severely injured by terrorists, a young medical student Ajay Singh Rathod, quits his studies to join the Indian Police Service to wipe out terrorists. One of those terrorists is the singer Gulfam Hassan (Naseeruddin Shah), who Ajay unknowingly, has befriended over the years owing to their love for music. The movie remains one of the best performances of Shah as an antagonist. Co-starring Aamir Khan in the lead, along with Sonali Bendre.