What Does Nawazuddin Siddiqui Really Think About Movie Promotions?

Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Athiya Shetty will be seen together in Motichoor Chaknachoor. Directed by Debamitra Biswal, Motichoor Chaknachoor a comedy that shows the ordeal of a 38-year-old man trying to get married and a girl who wants to settle abroad. They spoke to The Quint about working together for the first time, the title of the film, Nawazuddin’s shift to comedy and more.

First of all, the trailer looks really interesting. The title is interesting – ‘Motichoor Chaknachoor’. Where did this title come from?

Athiya: I feel like it is derived from the screenplay. The first half is ‘Motichoor’ and the second half is ‘Chaknachoor,’ because our lives have just gone downhill.

In the script, what stood out for you?

Nawazuddin: For me, it was the two characters thinking on completely different tangents. They belong to two different worlds and their interaction in the script is shown in a very light-hearted, funny manner. There were no harsh punchlines. The beauty of this movie is that it will make you smile constantly. It’s not just about the two characters. It’s about these characters, their families and their journeys.

Athiya: Actually, when I read the script, I said no because I was petrified. I was like how did this person think of me, I cannot do this. It’s a very challenging role, I have never done anything like this. Especially when you are working with somebody like Nawaz sir. He hates it when I call him sir. Talent-wise he definitely is sir. He gives me a chance to act, to do workshops.

Sir, this is the first time we are going to see you as the lead in a comedy. This shift to comedy, is it a conscious decision?

Nawazuddin: I have done comedy before, in around 150 plays. Comedy has different types within it. Folk theatre also has some elements, Shakespeare also did it with Comedy of Errors. There is slapstick comedy, and many others which I have done before. For me, comedy is the easiest genre. For any actor, the two easiest things to do are to make someone laugh and cry. The most difficult part is to make people think with your performance. Whoever says that comedy is difficult... I think it’s the easiest, even tragedy. The audience lives in constant stress where even a small joke can make them laugh. Even the vulgar comedies are easily digested by them.

How do you switch from one role to the other?

Nawazuddin: Every actor has insecurities. Sometimes while switching, you don’t get a gap to prepare. I think it’s better if I can get a gap of half or a full month, but often one project starts after the other. This didn’t have any gap. Not at all. I remember one day I literally shot for Sacred Games, and the next day I was playing ‘Pushpinder’. So it does take time. It took me 5-6 days to balance.