Naseeruddin Shah was born on July 20, 1950, in Barabanki, Uttar Pradesh, into a Nawab family. His great-great-grandfather was the Afghan warlord Jan-Fishan Khan, who later became the Nawab of Sardhana. He attended St. Anselm's Ajmer school and St Joseph's College, Nainital, and graduated in arts from Aligarh Muslim University in 1971.

Naseeruddin Shah's acting career began with Shyam Benegal’s drama film Nishant and he went on to star in path-breaking films like Umrao Jaan (1981), Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro (1983), Ardh Satya (198), Sarfarosh (1999), Monsoon Wedding (2001), Being Cyrus (2006), and A Wednesday (2008). He has starred in over 100 films, both in India and internationally. In 2006, he turned director with the drama film Yun Hota Toh Kya Hota.

Naseeruddin Shah is known for his simple lifestyle. He enjoys playing tennis and reading. He has faced several controversies in his life, including his comments about late superstar Rajesh Khanna and his views on the animosity between India and Pakistan.

Naseeruddin Shah was first married to Manara Sikri, also known as Parveen Murad, and they had a daughter, Heeba. However, they parted ways after 12 years of marriage. Later, Shah met Ratna Pathak, the daughter of actress Dina Pathak, and they got married in 1982. They have two sons, Imaad and Vivaan.

Naseeruddin Shah has acted in numerous films, including Nishant, Aakrosh, Sparsh, Mirch Masala, Albert Pinto Ko Gussa Kyon Ata Hai, Trikal, Bhavni Bhavai, Junoon, Mandi, Mohan Joshi Hazir Ho!, Ardh Satya, Katha, and Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro. His recent movies include Maarrich, A Holy Conspiracy, and Kuttey.

Naseeruddin Shah has won numerous awards in his career, including three National Film Awards, three Filmfare Awards, and the Volpi Cup for Best Actor at the Venice Film Festival. The Government of India honoured him with the Padma Shri and the Padma Bhushan awards for his contributions to Indian cinema.