Famous Alumni from National School of Drama
There are several famous and renowned personalities, who have studied acting at NSD and are now established actors and are impressed with their skills in their respective fields. Some of the eminent personalities including Naseeruddin Shah, Anupam Kher and Om Puri have proved their mettle and set a benchmark in the acting field. It is to be that all these personalities have graduated from NSD. Read the article below to learn about Famous and Renowned Alumni from the National School of Drama.
The popularity of acting courses in India is increasing amongst young people. The aim to get success in the acting profession by aspiring actors is also increasing which leads to an increase in enrollment in some of the top established acting institutes in India. One of the most renowned institutions is the National School of Drama (NSD), popularly known for its exceptional training in the art of acting. There are various renowned artists, including Naseeruddin Shah, Anupam Kher, and Om Puri, who are proud NSD alumni and made a significant mark in the Indian Film Industry. These actors have shown exceptional talent through their choice of film and their acting skills in their respective careers. These actors set high standards of education and training offered by NSD.
Here’s a list of some of the famous alumni from the National School of Drama.
- Naseeruddin Shah
- Om Puri
- Piyush Mishra
- Anupam Kher
- Irrfan Khan
- Yashpal Sharma
- Ratna Pathak Shah
- Nawazuddin Siddiqui
Naseeruddin Shah
From the batch of 1973, Naseeruddin Shah, is one of the finest actors in Bollywood, as his acting skills have left all captivated. Naseeruddin Shah has done various movies in different genres and his screen presence always stands apart. The Bollywood veteran has won various awards in the field of cinema and the government has honoured Naseeruddin Shah with the Padma Shri (1983) and the Padma Bhushan (2003) awards for his contribution to Indian cinema.
Also Read:
- Film Making Course: Admission 2025, Fees, Syllabus, Entrance Exam, Career Scope
- Job Opportunities after Film Making Courses in India: Eligibility, Skills, Top Colleges
- Fashion Photography Courses
Naseeruddin Shah's Famous Movies
Candidates can check the table below to learn in detail about Naseeruddin Shah's movies and more.
| A Wednesday (2008) |
The Dirty Picture (2011) |
| Ishqiya (2010) |
Sparsh (1980) |
| Jaane Bhi do Yaaro (1983) |
Sarfarosh (1999) |
| Finding Fanny (2014) |
Albert Pinto Ko Gussa Kyu Aata Hai |
| Iqbal (2005) |
Firaaq (2008) |
Awards won by Naseeruddin Shah
Check out the list of awards won by the actor in the table below.
| Filmfare Award for Best Actor – 1984 (Masoom) |
IIFA Award for Best Performance in Negative Role – 2000 (Sarfarosh) |
|
Dubai International Film Festival Lifetime Achievement Award - 2015 |
Also Read: Acting Popular Colleges
Om Puri
Om Puri, a prominent actor in the Bollywood industry, was another outstanding alumnus of the National School of Drama. Also, he graduated in the same batch as Naseeruddin Shah in the year 1973. Om Puri was known for his unmatchable acting and exceptional talent. He made his debut in the 1976 Marathi film Ghashiram Kotwal, marking the start of his journey to fame. Over a career spanning 41 years, Om Puri appeared in multiple blockbuster films and received several awards for his contribution as an actor.
Not only in Bollywood, but he also worked in television and made his mark outside India as well. Om Puri starred in Hollywood movies, sharing the screen with renowned actors like Tom Hanks and Ben Kingsley. Om Puri passed away on January 6, 2017, but his legacy lives on through his memorable performances and contributions to cinema.
Also Read: Acting Courses
Om Puri Famous Movies (Bollywood)
Candidates can check the table below to learn in detail about Om Puri movies and more.
| Ardh Satya (1983) |
Aakrosh (1980) |
| Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro (1983) |
Dirty Politics (2015) |
| Hera Pheri (2000) |
Malamaal Weekly (2006) |
| Mirch Masala (1987) |
Don 2 (2011) |
| Maqbool (2003) |
Maachis (1996) |
Om Puri Famous Movies (Hollywood)
Candidates can check the table below to learn in detail about Om Puri movies and more.
| East is East (1999) |
The Hundred-Foot Journey (2014) |
| City of Joy (1992) |
Charlie Wilson’s War (2007) |
| Gandhi (1982) |
The Ghost and The Darkness (1996) |
Also Read: Acting Top Colleges
Awards Won by Om Puri
Check out the list of awards won by the actor in the table below.
| Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor – 1981 (Aakrosh) |
National Film Award for Best Actor – 1984 (Ardh Satya), 1982 (Arohan) |
| BAFTA Award for Best Actor in Leading Role |
Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award - 2009 |
Piyush Mishra
Piyush Mishra, a graduate of the 1986 batch of the National School of Drama. He is a well-known Indian film actor and theatre artist, music director, lyricist, singer, and scriptwriter. Outside his on-screen roles, he is highly applauded for his theatre performances, poetry, and soul-stirring Shayaris. Over the years, Piyush Mishra has been part of various iconic and outstanding movies that audiences love to revisit. Even after finding success in cinema, he remains deeply connected to theatre and continues to perform. If he ever visits your city, make sure not to miss the opportunity to witness his incredible artistry.
Piyush Mishra Famous Movies
Candidates can check the table below to learn in detail about Piyush Mishra movies and more.
| Gulaal (2009) |
Gangs of Wasseypur (2012) |
| The Shaukeens (2014) |
Maqbool (2003) |
| Pink (2016) |
Dil Se (1998) |
| Matrubhoomi (2003) |
Revolver Rani (2014) |
Awards Won by Piyush Mishra
Check out the list of awards won by the actor in the table below.
| Best Actor Award at Julien Dubuque International Film Festival - 2014 (The Playback Singer) |
Winner for Best Dialogue at Zee Cine Awards – The Legend of Bhagat Singh (2002) |
Anupam Kher
From the batch of 1978, Anupam Kher is one of the most notable alumni of the National School of Drama. Anupam Kher is known globally for sharing the screen with various actors in Bollywood and Hollywood, having bagged numerous awards, and has also been honoured with the Padma Shri (2004) and Padma Bhushan (2016). The veteran actor also has his acting school known as ‘Actor Prepares’. Anupam is the recipient of two National Film Awards and eight Filmfare Awards. Anupam Kher has also acted in over 500 films in several languages, as well as numerous plays. Another amazing fact is that Anupam Kher holds the record for winning the Filmfare Award for Best Comedian five times in total. Other than Bollywood, Anupam Kher has also starred in Hollywood movies. The veteran actor has also held the post of Chairman of the Central Board of Film Certification and the National School of Drama.
Anupam Kher Famous Movies (Bollywood)
Candidates can refer to the table below to learn more about Anupam Kher's movies and other details.
| A Wednesday (2008) |
Special 26 (2013) |
| Khosla Ka Ghosla (2006) |
Maine Gandhi Ko Nahi Maara (2005) |
| The Accidental Prime Minister (2019) |
Dil (1990) |
| Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998) |
MS Dhoni: The Untold Story (2016) |
| Kaho Na Pyaar Hai (2000( |
Baby (2015) |
Anupam Kher Famous Movies (Hollywood)
Candidates can refer to the table below to learn more about Anupam Kher's movies and other details.
| Silver Linings Playbook (2012) |
Bend It Like Beckham (2002) |
| The Big Sick (2017) |
New Amsterdam (TV Series) |
Also read:
- Bollywood Choreographer Female
- Bollywood Choreographer Male
- Exploring Film-Making Courses After 12th
Irrfan Khan
From the batch of 1987, Irrfan Khan was a late bloomer, but ever since he appeared on the big screen, Irrfan took acting altogether to another level. Flawless and effortless. The alumni from NSD have acted in various movies in Bollywood and have also made it big in Hollywood. Cited as one of the ‘finest’ actors in Indian cinema, Irrfan’s career spanned over 30 years, earning him numerous accolades. In 2011, Irrfan was conferred with the Padma Shri. The greatest achievement of Irrfan Khan's career was his role in Slumdog Millionaire (2008). The movie bagged 8 Oscars. Unfortunately, Irrfan Khan passed away on April 29, 2020. However, his impact on the world will forever linger, as his movies and dialogues will be fondly remembered.
Irrfan Khan's Famous Movies (Bollywood)
Candidates can refer to the table below for detailed information about Irrfan Khan's movies and more.
| The Lunchbox (2013) |
Hindi Medium (2017) |
| Blackmail (2016) |
Piku (2015) |
| Paan Singh Tomar (2010) |
Billu (2009) |
| Maqbool (2003) |
Talvar (2015) |
| Life in a Metro (2007) |
Salaam Bombay (1998) |
| Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster (2013) |
Mumbai Meri Jaan (2008) |
Irrfan Khan Famous Movies (Hollywood)
Candidates can check the table below to know in detail about Irrfan Khan movies and more.
| The Namesake (2006) |
Slumdog Millionaire (2008) |
| The Amazing Spider-Man (2012) |
Life of Pi (2012) |
| Jurassic World (2015) |
Inferno (2016) |
Awards Won by Irrfan Khan
Check out the list of awards won by the actor in the table below.
| IIFA Award for Best Actor – 2018 (Hindi Medium) |
Filmfare Award for Best Actor – 2018 (Hindi Medium) |
| Screen Award for Best Actor – 2017 (Hindi Medium), 2013 (Paan Singh Tomar) |
National Film Award for Best Actor – 2013 (Paan Singh Tomar) |
| Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in Motion Picture – 2008 (Slumdog Millionaire) |
Film Critics Award for Best Actor – 2013 (Paan Singh Tomar) |
| Asian Film Award for Best Actor – 2014 (Lunchbox) |
Screen Award for Best Actor (Critics) – 2016 (Piku) |
Yashpal Sharma
Another well-known alumnus from the National School of Drama is Yashpal Sharma. Known for his villainous roles in Bollywood movies, Yashpal Sharma is also highly influential in theatre and occasionally performs in plays. Yashpal moved to Mumbai in 1997 and landed a significant role in 1998, starring alongside Jaya Bachchan and Nandita Das in Hazar Chaurasi Ki Maa. But his breakthrough was when he was recognised for his role in the Academy Award-nominated movie Lagaan (2001). Alongside the big screen, Yashpal has also acted in various soap operas (TV serials)
Yashpal Sharma Famous Movies
Candidates can refer to the table below to learn more about Yashpal Sharma's movies and other details.
| Lagaan (2001) |
Gangaajal (2003) |
| Ab Tak Chhappan (2004) |
Singh is Kinng (2008) |
| Apaharan (2005) |
Tashan (2008) |
| Rowdy Rathore (2012) |
Amu (2005) |
| Chameli (2003) |
Dum (2003) |
Ratna Pathak Shah
From the 1981 batch, Ratna Pathak Shah is a well-known and renowned actor in the Bollywood industry, having shared the screen with various actors and won numerous awards. Known for her work in movies and TV shows, Ratna Pathak married an alumnus of the National School of Drama, Naseeruddin Shah. His introduction is given at the top of the article. Ratna Pathak is an active member of the Motley Theatre Group and has also acted in several Russian plays. However, Ratna Pathak will fondly be remembered for her role in the TV show Sarabhai vs Sarabhai.
Ratna Pathak Famous Movies
Candidates can refer to the table below to learn more about Ratna Pathak's movies in detail.
| Lipstick Under My Burkha (2016) |
Kapoor & Sons (2016) |
| Golmaal 3 (2010) |
Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na (2008) |
| Mirch Masala (1987) |
The Coffin Maker (2013) |
| Paheli (2005) |
Mandi (1983) |
Nawazuddin Siddiqui
Last but not least, the famous alumni from the National School of Drama is a fan favourite, Nawazuddin Siddiqui. Nawazuddin is now recognised internationally, and most of his films have received critical acclaim at International Film Festivals. Nawazuddin has bagged various national and international awards for his performances. In addition to acting, Nawazuddin is also a motivational speaker, drawing on his struggles and experiences to inspire the youth. Not every actor gets conferred with the GQ-Men of the Year award, let alone twice. From sharing the screen with renowned actors in the industry to starring as the lead in the movies, Nawazuddin will fondly be known for his role as Ganesh Gaitonde in the Netflix TV series Sacred Games.
Nawazuddin Siddiqui's Famous Movies
Candidates can refer to the table below to learn more about Nawazuddin Siddiqui's movies and other details.
| Babumoshai Bandookbaaz (2017) |
Gangs of Wasseypur (2012) |
| Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015) |
Manto (2018) |
| The Lunchbox (2013) |
Badlapur (2015) |
| Photograph (2019) |
Raees (2017) |
| Raman Raghav 2.0 (2016) |
Manjhi (2015) |
| Haraamkhor (2015) |
Freaky Ali (2016) |
| Monsson Shootout (2013) |
Black Friday (2004) |
Awards Won by Nawazuddin Siddiqui
Check out the list of awards won by the actor in the table below.
| National Film Award (Special Jury Award) – 2013 (Talaash, Gangs of Wasseypur) |
Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor – 2014 (The Lunchbox) |
| Zee Cine Award for Best Performance in a Negative Role – 2016 (Badlapur) |
Screen Award for Best Supporting Actor – 2016 (Bajrangi Bhaijaan), 2013 (Talaash) |
| IIFA Award for Best Supporting Actor – 2018 (Mom) |
Guild Award for Best Actor in a Negative Role – 2016 (Badlapur) |
The National School of Drama (NSD) in India has given rise to some of the finest and most influential names in Indian theatre, television, and cinema. NSD cultivates a deep understanding of the arts to shape the work of various actors, directors, playwrights, and theatre artists. Some of the well-known alumni of NSD, including Naseeruddin Shah, Om Puri, and Irfan Khan, have left a legacy for the next generation of talent. These actors have set them apart from the masses through Indian cinema, but have also gained international recognition for their exceptional acting skills.
NSD has also encouraged directors like Ramesh Talwar and Makarand Deshpande, whose works have enhanced the Indian theatre vision. However, it is not just the institute that makes or breaks an artist; it is one's unwavering commitment to excellence in the arts.
Read More:
- Want to pursue a Course in Music? Check out the Top Music Colleges in India
- Top 10 Dance Choreographers in India
- How to become a choreographer?
- Kathak Course: Fees, Admission 2025, Subjects/Syllabus, Top Colleges, Top-Exam, Salary, Recruiters
- Bharatanatyam Certificate Course: Master the Classical Dance Form
Photos & Videos
Contact Details
Get details of Similar Colleges
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 2 months ago
For applying for the Diploma in Dramatic Arts at NSD in 2025, you’ll need to wait for the official notification, usually released around March–April on the NSD Delhi website. The form is available online during the admission window. Since you’re from Nepal with drama experience, you’ll likely be eli
R
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 7 months ago
Age limit should be 18 years and maximum is 30 years. The upper age limit is relaxable by 5 years for SC / ST candidates only. The preliminary screening comprises an audition or practical test and a final selection round at NSD Delhi. To get admitted to the National School of Drama course admissions
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 8 months ago
Your son is still too young at 12 to join the National School of Drama (NSD) since their normal courses have a minimum age criterion of 18 years. But he can begin by enrolling in NSD's Theatre Workshops for Children, held in various cities.
K
Contributor-Level 8
Answered 10 months ago
You must get a recognised degree in order to enroll in India's top theater school, the National School of Drama (NSD). A written exam and a workshop or audition are the first steps in NSD's yearly admissions procedure. Candidates must have at least six months of experience in theater or related fiel
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a year ago
NSD Exam Eligibility Criteria
The candidate must have completed his/her graduation from a recognised university from abroad or India. The student must have completed his/her 10+2 from a recognised board.The minimum qualification for inclusion in the proposed one-year course shall be graduation in an
S
Contributor-Level 9
Answered a year ago
A
Beginner-Level 1
Answered a year ago
A
Beginner-Level 1
Answered a year ago
A
Beginner-Level 1