In a career spanning just 15 years, Nawazuddin Siddiqui has more than showcased his versatility, having played everything from a goon and a gangster to a pickpocket, waiter and reporter, etc. Up next, the actor will be seen in the role of a teacher in the film Haramkhor.
Asked about his varied character choices, Siddiqui said that he has never focused on building a set image for himself in Bollywood and that gives him a chance to experiment with different projects, especially in this age of digitisation.
“I have never thought about creating an image for myself in Bollywood. I am an actor and just want to experiment with roles. I am ready to do all type of roles,” said the Bajrangi Bhaijaan star. “In fact, I don’t want to build any image for myself. I don’t want people to say, ‘He does only a certain type of role’. I don’t want only to be the hero of the story. An actor’s weakness is the different roles that he can’t do but I am keen to grab only those roles as I am here to challenge myself,” added the critically-acclaimed talent.
Siddiqui credits his acting skills to the training he received at the National School of Drama. “You gain a lot through training,” said the 42-year-old, National Award-winning actor. He added that he is happy with the digital world but does not like it when people use social media platforms to troll each other. “It’s bad that people waste most of their time on various social media platforms, looking through and commenting on others’ posts. That is the wrong use of digitalisation,” he said.
According to Siddiqui – who is best known for roles in films like Gangs of Wasseypur, Talaash, The Lunchbox and Manjhi, the Mountain Man– one negative impact of digital media is that people have the liberty to say what they want to. “There aren’t any restrictions! I understand that people have freedom of speech but they should have some sense while saying those things too. People nowadays give reviews of films on social media but are they capable enough to do that? Do they have those kinds of skills?” Siddiqui questioned.
Looking at the positive aspect of the digital boom, the artist stated, “Digital media is bringing out hidden talent which was unapproachable for the industry people.”
Haramkhor marks Siddiqui’s first release for the New Year. It has been made by debut director Shlok Sharma and is slated to hit the screens on January 13. After that, the actor will be seen opposite Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan and Mahira Khan in the much-awaitedRaees. “I have huge expectations from Raees. It’s an entertaining film and I enjoyed shooting for it,” Siddiqui said.
Asked to describe his experience of working with Khan, Siddiqui said, “Shah Rukh Khan is the best co-actor. I have seen, most of the times, that while shooting, actors don’t listen to your dialogues or see your expressions and are mainly concerned about their lines but not him. The response that he gives to you while performing is terrific.”
He also added, “Whatever appreciation I get for my role in Raees will be just because of Shah Rukh. He has respected his character a lot. Also, the chemistry between us is good”.
Nawazuddin has also been roped into star in the film adaptation of Sujit Saraf’s novel The Confession of Sultana Daku. “I have signed on to play Sultana Daku in the film adaptation. The film’s story is beyond dacoits,” said the actor, who also has Munna Michael in the pipeline.