Nawazuddin on daughter Shora's debut: 'Getting offers, but...'

Nawazuddin confirmed that she was getting several offers but said he wanted her to focus on her education for now.Nawazuddin Siddiqui wants his 16-year-old daughter Shora to take her time before entering the film industry. Although she has already performed in theatre, attended workshops abroad and started receiving film offers, the actor wants her to complete her education and undergo formal acting training before making her Bollywood debut. He is also introducing her to films that he believes can help her understand the craft better.In a recent conversation with ABP News, Nawazuddin spoke about Shora's interest in acting and how he is helping her prepare. He revealed that the two travelled to the US and performed 10-12 shows together. She also attended workshops in London.5 Oct 2026 | 12:06Parents, when your child refuses to greet relatives, do you make them say hello or respect their choice?“She has done theatre with me,” he said, adding that he now wants her to enrol in a good institution for a long-term acting course, possibly lasting a year and a half or two years. He believes that building a strong foundation is important before she takes up professional acting assignments.Nawazuddin wants his daughter to complete her studies firstDuring the conversation, the interviewer asked whether Shora had started receiving film offers after attracting attention through her social media videos. Nawazuddin confirmed that she was getting several offers but said he wanted her to focus on her education for now. “Yes, she is getting a lot of offers, but for now, I want her to complete her studies,” he said.When asked whether he wanted her to finish her education before considering acting opportunities, he replied in the affirmative. The actor also made it clear that he does not plan to bring her to the big screen immediately. Asked when audiences could expect her film debut, he said, “Once she is a little older. Let her turn 18 first. After she turns 18, yes.”For now, he wants Shora to continue learning and gain more experience rather than rush into films simply because offers have started coming her way.Why he makes her watch difficult filmsNawazuddin made her watch the entire The Godfather series and films such as Pulp Fiction.Nawazuddin's approach to preparing his daughter for acting goes beyond theatre performances and workshops. He also wants her to study cinema by watching films known for their acting and performances.“I think children today are very smart. They grasp things very quickly, especially when it comes to rehearsals,” he said. He explained that he encourages Shora to watch films that require more attention and understanding instead of watching only light-hearted movies made for entertainment.“I keep telling her to watch fewer light-hearted films that are meant only for entertainment. She can watch them occasionally, but she should also watch films that have depth,” he said.To introduce her to different styles of filmmaking, Nawazuddin made her watch the entire The Godfather series and films such as Pulp Fiction. He also showed her films featuring Naseeruddin Shah and Om Puri, along with other movies he considers examples of artistic cinema.However, Shora was not immediately interested in all his choices. “Initially, she found it difficult,” the actor said, explaining that she was reluctant to watch some of the films because they were more demanding. He recalled that she would initially lose interest, but gradually began enjoying them.“Initially, she would lose interest, but now she has started enjoying them. I want her to watch more films of that kind,” he said.He wants her to make a strong impression with her first filmThe interviewer also asked whether Nawazuddin wanted his daughter to make a strong impression from her very first Bollywood film. The actor said that was what every father would want for their child. When asked whether Shora should undergo rigorous training before making her debut, he agreed. “She should. Absolutely,” he said.His approach to Shora's acting ambitions combines theatre experience, workshops, formal training and exposure to different kinds of cinema. Although she has already performed on stage and received film offers, Nawazuddin wants her to complete her studies and turn 18 before making her screen debut.