Nawazuddin Siddiqui has come a long way. He knows that. And yet, recognition doesn’t seem to have gone to his head. His passion for acting remains as strong as ever. For an actor who played a blink and miss role in the Aamir Khan starrer Sarfarosh (1999) to now be sharing the screen with the Khans of Bollywood, is proof of a remarkable journey. Nawazuddin Siddiqui reveals what it’s like to be working with superstars, dabbling in everything from low budget to multi-crore films, and why acting for him is a process of life.
Q: What does acting mean to you?
Nawazuddin: Acting is my passion. Also, I try to discover things inside me through the characters I play. During my training as an actor, I was told to dig out emotions from within. Acting for me is a process of life. A way to find qualities that we never tap. Before doing Gangs Of Wasseypur (2012), I didn’t know that I had it in me to do that. You need knowledge and training to dig deep and bring it forth. I enjoy this process.
Q: When you started out, you were willing to do all kinds of roles. Now you’re working with the biggest stars. Have you become more selective now?
Nawazuddin: I try not to repeat the kind of roles that I have already essayed. If you turn a script down, there are many reasons for it. It’s a good place to be in when you can choose the work you want to do. I have worked with big banners and big stars. While most people believe that a script is important, I feel the one directing is equally important. If the director isn’t good, even a good script can go to waste.
Q: Tell us about your role in Bajrangi Bhaijaan. Is it inspired by the Pakistani journalist Chand Nawab?
Nawazuddin: I am playing a regular Pakistani reporter in the film who helps Salman’s character Pavan in his journey. I have the experience of reporting for a news channel during the Lok Sabha elections. I felt saturated with acting so I put myself in a place outside of my comfort zone. Who knew it would help me for this character. I did watch YouTube videos of Chand Nawab as well as other relevant Pakistani journalists to get a feel of the language and mannerisms.
Q: You have worked with all the three Khans. What do you think they have in common?
Nawazuddin: There is a lot for me to learn from SRK, Aamir and Salman. For me they aren’t just superstars. They are achievers. To be able to sustain your work for so many years is not an easy task. All three of them drive the industry and their achievements inspire me.
Q: Are you in a place now to be able to demand the price you deserve?
Nawazuddin: One of the good things about the film industry is that you don’t have to ask for money. Even if you ask, it’s not necessary that you will get what you demand. But you need to reach a level where you are offered the money you deserve. Having said that, I am not rigid about asking for a particular amount for my dates. How can a small budget and big budget film offer me the same amount anyway? If there is a good story, a role that can give me much more than money, I wouldn’t leave it for cash. Thankfully my calendar is full for the next year and a half.
Q: Does all your success make you feel like you’ve finally arrived?
Nawazuddin: I don’t try to analyse my situation. So, I can’t classify myself into successful or unsuccessful categories. I enjoy the process of acting and filmmaking. There is no limit to achieving. The deeper I go into the process of acting, the more insecure I feel. As an actor, I know my weaknesses, so when I perform, I try to see if I have overcome some of those through a particular role.
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