{
  "id": 4556661,
  "title": "Why Naseeruddin Shah stopped bathing for nearly 2 months for ‘Chakra’",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/31/why-naseeruddin-shah-stopped-bathing-for-nearly-2-months-for-chakra",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-31T02:45:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Gulf News",
    "slug": "gulf-news",
    "url": "https://gulfnews.com/entertainment/bollywood/why-naseeruddin-shah-stopped-bathing-for-nearly-2-months-for-chakra-1.500657486"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah reportedly went without bathing for a period of around one and a half to two months while preparing for his role in the 1981 film 'Chakra', according to actor Gulshan Grover. Grover, recalling the story during an appearance on 'The Kapil Sharma Show', expressed amazement at Shah's dedication to the character. Grover, known for bathing two to four times a day, joked that he could never match Shah's level of commitment. He humorously added that fate instead handed him roles where he was dressed in suits and holding a drink. 'Chakra', directed by Rabindra Dharmaraj, was released in 1981 and marked Shah's only directorial film. The drama starred Shah alongside Smita Patil and Kulbhushan Kharbanda, exploring poverty and survival in Mumbai's slums. Shah's character, Amma's son Benwa, was influenced by a petty criminal named Lukka. Shah remains active in Indian cinema, with recent roles in 'Assi' and Imtiaz Ali's 'Main Vaapas Aaunga' (2026). His upcoming action thriller 'Maharagni: Queen of Queens' features Kajol and Prabhu Deva, demonstrating his continued presence in the industry.",
  "summary": "Dubai: Veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah once went without bathing for around 1.5 to two months while preparing for his role in the 1981 film ‘Chakra’, according to actor Gulshan Grover. Recalling the story during an appearance on ‘The Kapil Sharma Show’, Grover said he was amazed when he first heard about Shah’s approach to the character. Grover, who said he can bathe two to four times a day…",
  "key_points": [
    "Naseeruddin Shah went without bathing for 1.5 to 2 months while preparing for 'Chakra'.",
    "Actor Gulshan Grover expressed amazement at Shah's dedication to the character.",
    "'Chakra' was directed by Rabindra Dharmaraj and released in 1981."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}