Stardom easiest way for an actor to get corrupted: Naseeruddin Shah

Naseeruddin Shah has no qualms in accepting that he has worked for money in some films but says the more tempting way for an actor to get corrupted is by becoming a star.

"The easiest way for an actor to get corrupted is by becoming a star. Then you start believing your own myth. You start believing what the press writes about you. That's very dangerous," Naseeruddin told PTI.

The actor says, no matter what position one holds in the industry, it is impossible to foresee the heights one can reach before signing a film.

"There's no way anyone can ensure what will be the quality of a film when you read a script. You have to go by instincts and do it. Sometimes it goes right and sometimes wrong," he adds.

The actor says in his film career of more than four decades, he has taken up films purely "to run the kitchen" and says one should not be ashamed of it.

"I've worked for money and there's no shame. I need to run my kitchen. That's what I tell younger actors. Don't be afraid to do things for money. What are we all working for? Aren't we working to feed ourselves. I've done films for money but not too many films."
The 68-year-old says he was fortunate to be a part of the movement where the independent cinema was thriving, and contrary to his decisions later, he worked for free "several times."