Despite winning several awards, including three National Awards, Padma Shri and a Padma Bhushan, Naseeruddin Shah says awards doesn't influence him as an actor. In an interview to a daily, the actor had said that he has put away all the awards he won in a cupboard and forgotten all about them. He added that all that matters to him is when a stranger comes to him and appreciates him for his work.
He said in the interview, "Neither have I been given awards and nor do I care for them. As far as I know, awards are given through lobbying. They are of no importance in my life,”
Naseeruddin also said that he didn't choose to become an arty director. He told the newspaper, "I would have danced and sang if offered to me. You become an actor because you want to be famous and rich."