Lucknow’s hidden gems: Actor Nawab Masood Abdullah says ‘theatre is the most difficult medium to perform in’

Nawab Masood Abdullah is a popular name in Lucknow. He is best known for his roles in films and web series such as Gulabo Sitabo, Gadar-Ek Prem Katha, Gadar 2  Hamare Baraah, A Suitable Boy, Manphodganj ki Bubblee, Moon Walk, Why Cheat India. He has carved a niche for himself in the city because of his contribution to theatre. 

The multi-faceted artist has also judged food shows like Master Chef Sanjeev Kapoor's Khana Khazana, Food Food Maha Challenge. Additionally, he is  part of many food shows like Highway on my plate, Raja Rasoi Aur Anya Kahaniyan, Lost Recipe, Roti Rasta Aur India. 

In an exclusive interview with Roktim Rajpal Diaries, Nawab Masood Abdullah opens up about his association with acting and his attempts at preserving the city’s culture. 

Edited excerpts from the interview:

How did your tryst with acting begin?

I used to do plays in school. This continued in Lucknow University and beyond. In 2005, I did a play called Jaan-e-alam in which I portrayed the character of General James Outram. It was a turning point. When it comes to films, I used to rent out props for film shoots when my father was alive since 1983.

Actor Nawab Masood Abdullah. | Credit: Nawab Masood Abdullah.

The props were often damaged. So, later I asked for money to rent it out. I was the first in Lucknow to rent out the props . This also opened the door for me to act in films as a hobby. 

How different is acting in films from performing in plays?

Theatre is the most difficult medium as it is live. There are no second chances. Serials/TV shows come with budget limitations. And then we have films. This is the easiest, as there are retakes.

What can be done to improve the state of theatre? 

Tickets need to be introduced. Good sponsorship helps, but few organisations benefit from it. 

Coming back to films, what has been your most memorable experience so far?

I worked with Mr Amitabh Bachchan in Gulabo Sitabo. Nothing can be more memorable than that. Then I also enjoyed working with Annu Kapoor in Humare Baraah. 

How do you prepare for your roles?

A lot of preparation is needed, and you need to be fully dedicated to the craft. Memorising dialogues is a challenge and an important part of the process. There have been times when I have learnt/memorised dialogues while driving.  

You have also done your bit towards promoting arts such as Aari-Zardozi work and Chikankari work .

My father was dealing with jewellery when I was young. Designing ka shaukh tabhi se tha. Much later, there was a time when servants ke bachche needed work. To help them my wife Begum Almas Abdullah started this and I joined her. We started ALMASOD CREATIONS. It combines my name and that of my wife. This initiative is part of preserving our heritage and culture and reviving extinct stitches. 

What can be done to empower artisans?

Educating artistians is the need of the hour. The key here is to ensure that they are aware of the schemes that can benefit them.