Ratna Pathak Shah on marriage with Naseeruddin Shah: ‘I do sometimes feel resentful taking second place to work’

Veteran actors Ratna Pathak Shah and Naseeruddin Shah, who have been married since 1982, are often admired for their artistic synergy and enduring partnership, both on and off screen. At the FICCI Flo Hyderabad summit, Ratna opened up about their decades-long bond, describing it as a deeply rooted friendship that has stood the test of time.
Ratna Pathak Shah reflects on 40 plus years of marriage with Naseeruddin Shah
Calling her marriage a “fantastic, fun ride,” Ratna said she had never imagined that such a close companionship could last so long, especially in a field like theirs. She credited their shared profession for nurturing that bond. According to her, working in the same field has helped them support each other, explore shared interests, and grow together, something she finds “quite invaluable.”
Ratna admits she sometimes felt secondary to his work but has made peace with it
While she praised Naseeruddin Shah’s unwavering dedication to his craft, Ratna also admitted that it hasn’t always been easy. She spoke candidly about feeling sidelined at times, acknowledging that she did sometimes feel resentful about taking second place to his work. However, she said she has finally made her peace with it.

Despite that, she was full of admiration for her husband’s work ethic, calling him “the most generous person to work with” both as a co-actor and a director. She reflected that his ability to help others bring out their best is something she both loves and struggles with. “I love acting, but I am not committed to it the way he is,” she admitted.

Ratna and Naseeruddin Shah are parents to actors Imaad Shah and Vivaan Shah. Naseeruddin also has a daughter, Heeba Shah, from his previous marriage to Manara Sikri.