Ratna Pathak Shah on struggling to get work during early years: 'Naseeruddin Shah was part of half the projects but...'

The talented and versatile actress of the entertainment industry, Ratna Pathak Shah, who has been garnering praises for her portrayal of Biker Nani in Dhak Dhak, revealed that she didn’t get enough opportunities and meaty roles in her younger days. While having a conversation with Humans of Bombay, Ratna opened up about being part of successful films through husband Naseeruddin Shah but not getting major roles. Ratna said, “I was expecting to get some work in movies. Everyone used to sit in my drawing room and talk about this or that movie being put together, all kinds of discussions because Naseer was in half of them. That was part of everyday situation at home. But I didn’t get work and that did surprise me. And this time period was long because I went to the National School of Drama and came back in 1982 and there was absolutely nothing coming my way.”

Speaking about getting a small role in Shyam Benegal’s Mandi, she said, “I did a couple of films, including Shyam Benegal’s Mandi, but I think he did it as a favour. Naseer and I just got married and Naseer was supposed to leave me for two months and work on this film. So, Shayam said, ‘Okay you also come.’ But I have a blink-and-miss role in the film. But I enjoyed it. I didn’t have an ego. But the meaty parts, the parts I would have liked to do didn’t come to me and it did bother me.” In recent times, the actress has done path-breaking roles in films like Lipstick Under My Burkha, Khoobsurat, Kapoor & Sons, Jayeshbhai Jordaar, Trial By Fire and many others. Talking about _Dhak Dhak_, the film also stars Sanjana Sanghi, Dia Mirza and Fatima Sana Shaikh in prominent roles.