Appearing on The Anupem Kher show, college friends Naseeruddin Shah and Om Puri talked about how and why they started acting, relying solely on talent instead of their looks.

First to come on stage was the legendary Naseeruddin Shah. The veteran actor shared that he started acting in ninth grade and what propelled him towards acting was his love for literature.

He drew inspiration from Geoffrey Kendall (who was an English actor-manager who delivered Shakespeare performances throughout India) and his love for acting started when he decided to take the initiative and reenact scenes from 'The Merchant of Venice' with his friends, due to not being chosen for school plays.

"I put up a notice for the play - and I truly believe that was the day my life changed. Going on stage for the first time was the most intense fear I've felt in my life but when I said my first line and people laughed, I felt a sense of accomplishment. I felt like I was visible for the first time in my life." remembered the actor fondly.

"Acting was an escape from the uninteresting reality which I hated; my life was a bore." stated Shah, who also said that he has been acting for over half a century now.

After graduating from Aligarh University, the actor went to the National School of Drama, where he would get training and a Rs 200 stipend; a place he called "Heaven" and a time he described as the "three happiest years of my life."

Shah went on to say that he did not develop and grow as an actor as much as he should have in those three years, not like his college mate Om Puri did.

Enter Om Puri, who immediately clarified that his interest in acting was pure coincidence. Initially wanting to join the Army, his plans changed when he went to college.

"I was extremely introvert as a child," said Puri, who initiated his career by acting in a small theatre company and did a number of odd jobs before tasting stardom.

Puri, who has now starred in over 22 English movies also spoke about overcoming his lack of command over the English language.

Talking about whether looks mattered during the 70s and 80s, both heartily agreed that good looks paved the way for actors to become ultimate stars - and neither of the two fell in that category.

Speaking frankly, Shah said: "I knew I didn't have the face of a film star."

Shah reminisced how veteran actor, Shabana Aazmi had jokingly commented on one of their old photos, wondering how such ugly men could think of becoming actors. He added that the trick was in having confidence.

Puri held the opinion that the reason they stood out among others was because of their versatility, which can only come after years of professional training and certainly does not depend on good looks.

When asked about rivalry and competition, both actors said that they are still critical of each other’s works because they know the critique would not be misunderstood by either.

Walking down the memory lane, Puri narrated how he struggled to get the attention of girls, most of whom would be drawn towards Shah because of his charming personality and impeccable English.

"Girls would be drawn toward him like a magnet," joked Puri.

Puri humbly felt grateful to Shah for giving him the push he needed and both actors believed that they have gained more than they had lost with each other.

Advising young actors, Puri said that to be a great actor one must embrace whoever one meets on the stage, and that life is the biggest teacher.

Shah agreed and further added that actors need to discover their own selves because the characters they play live within them.

"All humans have the potential to become kings or beggars. They can become whatever they like," Shah said.