Nawazuddin Siddiqui: An Actor par Excellence and Simplicity

Few years ago, few filmmakers had heard this name of Nawazuddin Siddiqui. But 2013 catapulted him to fame, with his roles in Kahaani, Gangs of Wasseypur, Talaash and Bombay Talkies which appreciated by critics and viewers. While having telephonic conversation I got a taste of his genuinely warm real persona where most of our stars known for ill tempers and tantrums. I finally got chance to settle for a chat with Nawaz with a glass of Red wine and smoke of his cigarettes for an hour to know more about this astonishing personality.

Here are some excerpts from the interview Nawazuddin Siddiqui gave to Spectralhues.

 You have actually dealt with the number of rejections and handled them courageously to become what you are today. Do you feel proud when you look back?

Actually yes, it does make me feel blessed. From working as Watchman in Delhi to cleaning the sets and serving tea to the artistes in Bombay, I’ve did everything to survive in the city. I even tried for the roles in television, but was not very successful. At the moments those rejections shattered me completely from inside, but then I got use to it.

Journey from UP to Bollywood re-known star. What’s your story?

I belong to a family of farmers. We are based in this village called Budhana, in Uttar Pradesh. Without the much scope of education, my siblings and I managed to study there.
I went to Delhi after getting into interest for Theatre. After completing my studies, I took up job of chemist in Baroda. Then I joined a theatre group, since there is no money in theatre I had to take up a job as a watchman. All these things happened simultaneously. Somehow I manage to enroll myself in the National School of Drama. I worked in Delhi for four years before finally moving to Mumbai.

While the world has been a witness to the success of Nawazzuddin Siddiqui, nobody knows that you have seen major downs in your professional life. How tough was that?

I slipped into cinema over a decade ago before that I was working hard just like any other struggling actor. I have gone out and done many auditions and struggled to get my first break. Unfortunately, I faced rejection in all of them. So, many times I just felt to step back but my passion for acting gave me courage to stand for my dream.

During your struggling days, how did Mumbai treat you?

In the beginning I felt that it would be easy to get work in B’town. I left with no financial support after coming from Delhi, so for earning livings I did a lot small roles, backstage works, crowd scenes. I got my first break in Black Friday directed by Anurag Kashap. So, after a lot struggle, time took positive turn for me.

‘Gang of Wassepur’ has been one film that shone you as an actor. Do you think it has been a turning point of your career?

Yes, definitely. [takes a drag of his cigarette] ‘Gang of wassepur’ and ‘Kahani’ both brought me in the bright light.  I had already worked with Anurag (Kashyap) in Black Friday and Dev D and I knew he is a potential director. When I read the script, I knew it was the role of a lifetime. And Kahaani was my first role with a high class character, Sujoy (Ghosh) do took a chance on me after ‘GOW’.

After ‘Lunchbox’ what shall we look forward to in ‘Ghoomketu’?

‘Ghoomketu’ is an on N on comedy movie with Raghubir Yadav, Richa Chadda and Ila Arun. I think comedies have been a huge genre I used to do comedy in theatre and I hope people will appreciate it here.

What is more important for you as an actor: doing a good film or doing a 100 crore film?

A good scripted film keeps more importance for me as it comes in my comfort zone. I always want to do different genre movies. The characters I play are real so that I can relate to the audience. I like what’s logical and many of those commercial films don’t make sense. Once you’re a commercial star you’re largely restricted to playing a single-minded state.

Working with two of the best actresses – Vidhya and Bipasha, How was the equation been?

It is fabulous working with talented people in the industry. Bipasha (Basu) is a one of the charming yet interactive personalities in here. So, Vidhya (Balan) is a very easygoing and most chilled out actress. She is extremely talented and comfortable to work with.

Did you experience nervousness while working with polished actors like Irffan Khan and Amir Khan in your starting days in industry?

No not at all, I never get nervous with the cast of my film. What makes me nervous is to get into my character and to give my best in the film. In my eyes they are actors who work hard and put effort to be the best on screen and this gives me motivation to give my 100% to my work.

You produced brother’s (Shamaas Nawab Siddiqui) short film. Will you venture in producing his next directorial as well?

Actually no, the story was nice and was made in small budget but now I will not produce any other movie.

What are your other projects that are keeping you busy?

I’ve recently wrapped with my movie ‘Ghoomketu’, then other is ‘Kick’ on which I am working, I also have ‘Babu Moshaye’, but I can’t talk about it much.

Any actor you admire?

Mr. Naseerudin Shah.

Is there any director with whom who wants to work with?

I want to work with every young director that comes as they are coming up their new ideology and way of working in the industry. It’s great fun to work on some different and new concept script.

Your favorite food?
‘Daal ghosth’.

What is your personal fashion style?

Fashion for me is all about being comfortable and confident in what I carry.

A place you dream of living alone?

Prague, it’s a beautiful city in Germany.

How do you start your day?
With a cigarette [Laughs].

A secret which no one else knows?

I sometimes feel to stay all alone surrounded with no one.

One role you wished you had done?

Dada Kondke was a legend actor and producer of 90’s era, would love to do his characters of any of his movies.

Three words that describe Nawazzudin?

Confused, incomplete, unplanned.

Something which separates you from other contemporaries?

I use to feel low in confidence before getting into my character is one thing I feel which separates me from others.

The happiest moment of your life?

When I got the chance as a main lead in ‘Gangs of Wassepur’.

Other than acting, what is your leisure time favorite?

If not working, I like to sit idle without doing anything.

If you not been an actor, what you have been?

Struggler!!

One actress you want to pair up and still haven’t got the chance to do so?

Kangana Ranaut

Will you plan to venture into film-making in future?

No, I am satisfied and happy being an actor.

Any advice to those who wants to be the next in Bollywood?

Initially, you need is trustworthy friend group in the B-city who can guide you to get in contact with right people in industry. Be fearless, make your own choice and keep your options ready. Cheers!

• About the Author

About Toshi Vijay

From past some years writing for me has turned all about interaction with new people, writing is one of the sources one can show the love for creativity and enjoys experimenting with words, and I hope I can share lot of resourceful information, quotes and provoking thoughts through this ahead.