N.S.D. or National School of Drama is a dream institution for all those who aspire to make a fine career in the field of theatre and entertainment, including Bollywood. Every year, several aspirants go through intense screening tests, to make it to this topmost acting school of India. I’d define NSD by calling it a training ground for some real artists who swear by class acting.
Let’s just take a look at some gems that the institution has given us.
1. Irrfan Khan
One of the best actors of Indian cinema, Irrfan Khan never had it easy, but there was something that kept him going, and that was his passion towards his caliber. Something that is rarely known is that Irrfan got a scholarship to attend NSD, where he lied about having prior theatre experiences. Only a gifted actor could have pulled that off. And looking at how far Irrfan has come now, and the way he’s representing India across the globe, NSD must be real proud of its alumni.
2. Anupam Kher
Anupam Kher had always dreamt of making it big in the entertainment industry. Even during his college days, Kher was actively involved in theatre. Ultimately, he made it to the NSD, and as luck would have it, stepped into Bollywood. Though his debut movie bombed, his second movie ‘Saaransh’ was a massive hit, where he was immensely praised for his role. He was also the chairperson of NSD.
3. Naseeruddin Shah
Winner of several awards, including 3 National Awards in his kitty, the name Naseeruddin Shah needs no introduction. After completing his graduation from AMU, Shah attended NSD. Be it ‘Masoom’, ‘Iqbal’ or ‘The Dirty Picture’, Naseeruddin Shah is surely in ‘The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen’. (Quite literally as well, for he starred in a movie with that title :P)
4. Nawazuddin Siddiqui
A single moment has the power to completely transform your life, and this is what happened with Nawazuddin Siddiqui. After completing his graduation, Siddiqui started working as a chemist, before moving to Delhi, where he saw a play. He immediately enrolled himself into NSD, and got selected too. From playing a role as petty as that of a small thief in Munnabhai M.B.B.S., to the desi Elvis Presley in Dev D’s Emotional Atyachar, to a performance like Manjhi, and ultimately getting a standing ovation at Cannes, this man has come a long, long way. There is no role that he can’t pull off.
5. Om Puri
Om Puri too is an alumnus of the NSD, class of 1973, which was the same as that of Anupam Kher, and after having witnessed his acting finesse, one can hardly doubt that. Om Puri made his debut in the year 1976, and gradually carved a niche for himself in the showbiz. Today, he stands as of the most prized actors of Bollywood. Not only Indian films, Om Puri has played a pivotal role in various foreign films as well.
6. Satish Kaushik
Hardly can anyone forget the ‘Calendar’ of ‘Mr. India’. Satish Kaushik is another notable alumnus of the NSD, and he went on to become an actor, a producer as well as a director for some of the mainstream Bollywood movies.
7. Piyush Mishra
An actor who can pull off serious roles with as much intensity as the comic ones, and a lyricist who has the potential to bind one with his words, this man too is a gem of an artist, and, an alumnus of NSD. He was the one behind the very poignant Arey Ruk Ja Re Bandey, from the movie Black Friday, in the year 2004.
8. Raj Babbar
Raj Babbar never had it easy. Soon after he graduated from NSD, he moved to Mumbai. From working for a radio channel to TV commercials and struggling in Mumbai, Raj Babbar confessed to having witnessed it all in his life. But as they say, ‘That which is past is gone’. Here is one classic actor who has graduated from one of the finest film schools.
9. Annu Kapoor
Annu Kapoor’s father owned a theatre company and this is where his urge to be a part of showbiz began. Soon after, he enrolled into NSD. Post graduation, he continued with theatre, and it was there, where he got noticed by Shyam Benegal, and got signed for Mandi. The rest, they say, is history.
10. Pankaj Kapur
One of the finest we have today. His huge body of work have always left viewers spellbound. Most people know him from cult TV series Office Office. He has given us many memorable performances till date, and is amongst the most gifted actors of Indian Cinema.
11. Alok Nath
I am 100% sure that there comes only a single name in your mind, when I say, ‘Babuji’, ‘Sanskaar’ or ‘Aashirwaad’, and that is of Alok Nath. Soon after graduating from the school, he shifted his base to Mumbai, where he started getting roles in various TV shows followed by film roles. And yes, this guy has a Wakhra Swag, which is of course, Sanskaari.
12. Ratna Pathak
Ratna Pathak, wife of Naseeruddin Shah, is also an alumnus of the great NSD. She has always maintained that she always focuses on quality work. The lady has been known for her acting in mainstream and art films alike, and has given even the new generation some really memorable roles, be it that of Jai’s sassy mum in Jaane Tu.. Yaa Jaane Naa, or that of Maya in Sarabhai v Sarabhai.
13. Tigmanshu Dhulia
He is an alumnus of the 1989 batch, and truly a class apart. An actor, comic artist, producer, screen writer, and dialogue writer, there are so many facets of this man, and all loaded with talent. Tigmanshu Dhulia too is one of the greatest actors that NSD has blessed Indian Cinema with.
Let their crafts and laurels speak for them now. Ladies, and gentlemen, these are the sparkling gems of Indian cinema, and always will be.
Do let us know in the comments.
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