Naseeruddin Shah is an Indian film and stage actor and director, and a prominent figure in Indian parallel cinema. Shah has won numerous awards in his career, including three National Film Awards, three Filmfare Awards and an award at the Venice Film Festival. The Government of India has honoured him with the Padma Shri and the Padma Bhushan awards for his contributions to Indian cinema.[2] Shah has also appeared in the Pakistani Film Industry, Lollywood, through the films Khuda Kay Liye and Zinda Bhaag.