There haven't been many actors who can match the skills and sheer brilliance of Naseeruddin Shah. He gave critically acclaimed performances in indie films at the start of his career and went on to become a star in his subsequent years. Shah celebrated his 71st birthday on Tuesday and on the ocassion, Randeep Hooda penned down a heartfelt note for him. Naseeruddin Shah has inspired an entire generation of actors and filmmakers and apparantly Hooda is one of them.

Randeep took to Instagram to share a pic with Shah from the film 'John Day' in which they shared the screen together. He captioned the post as, "I don't know where I would have been in my journey had I not met you @naseeruddin49 bhai .. I still aspire for that rare pat on the back 20 years hence.. of all one feels, the feeling of gratitude remains the most overwhelming.. Hoping and praying for many more birthdays to come."

Randeep started his Bollywood career with Mira Nair critically acclaimed flick 'Mansoon Wedding' which also starred Naseeruddin Shah in a central role.

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