Why Naseeruddin Shah doesn’t like Othello !

The veteran actor on Thursday night launched the Vintage Shakespeare Collection at Crossword in Juhu on the occasion of the legendary writer’s 445th anniversary.

The event was organised by Jimmy Mistry and Pranav Ashar, partners of the largest film society of India - Enlighten, along with renowned journalist Bhavana Somaiyya.

The collection unveiled a set of three DVD’s of Shakespearen movies, a book compliled on his work and life, and 3 artistic postcards of the epic writer.

On the occasion says Pranav Ashar, Founder and Chairman of Enlighten, “We are very proud to launch the films derived from the writings of William Shakespeare- the greatest playwright the world has ever seen. These films are one of the earliest and the most authentic adaptations of his plays. We believe this box set will be adored by the lovers of Shakespeare for a long time.”

Naseeruddin Shah walked in on the dot of time and obliged the shutterbugs prior to starting the event. Speaking about when his interest grew in Shakespearan novels, Naseer also narrated anecdotes on his experiences of enacting some of Shakespeare’s characters in his career.

Before we knew he had everyone in the room engrossed with his strong views on various aspects about Shakespeare and his work.

He further went on to speak of how Indian Cinema was not too different from the story plots in Shakespearen movies and why most people have lost the interest in reading.

And after having been thrown a query from the audience, Naseer sure brought a few laughs when he revealed how according to him Othello was a fool and a racist, and even went as far as to reveal that he quite despised the popular character.

Well if not on screen, we see yet another facet of this extraordinary actor himself!