My first encounter with Nawazuddin Siddiqui was unforgettable, as he portrayed a victim of cultural discrimination in Kabir Khan’s film, New York. His character delivered a heart-wrenching monologue about the injustices faced by him and his family at the hands of law enforcement, suspected of terrorism.
Nawaz's performance was unparalleled.
His voice and eyes conveyed profound anguish, reminiscent of real-life victims, akin to a Jewish individual or a Kashmiri Pandit recounting their experiences during the Holocaust. When I inquired with Kabir about the source of that documentary-like footage, he chuckled, saying, “No, that’s not real footage. That’s an incredible yet unknown actor named Nawazuddin Siddiqui.”
This marked the beginning of our connection. Since then, Nawaz has ascended to remarkable heights, receiving accolades from both national and international media. His global recognition peaked when the Italian press dubbed him handsome, likening him to the iconic Marcello Mastroianni.
His joy was palpable. “Marcello Mastroianni???!!! Oh my God! He epitomizes good looks. The quintessential matinee idol. To be compared to him is beyond my wildest dreams. I’ve always felt insecure about my dark complexion and appearance. When I expressed my desire to become an actor in my hometown Budhana, my family responded with sarcasm. ‘Do you think you’re a big Dilip Kumar or Rajesh Khanna?’ I often doubted my suitability for acting when I looked in the mirror,” he shared.
What fueled Nawaz's perseverance through years of hardship in Mumbai? “I believed in my talent. I may not have the looks of the fair-skinned film heroes who excelled academically, but I possessed the essence of an actor. I accepted any small role that came my way. When survival is at stake, aesthetics take a backseat,” he explained.
Contrary to popular belief, his breakthrough was not Anurag Kashyap’s Gangs Of Wasseypur or Sacred Games, but rather a film titled Patang, directed by Prashant Bhargava in 2012, where Nawaz played a minor role. He received praise from America’s renowned critic Roger Ebert, who even invited him to his home.
“I respect all critics, but Roger Ebert is a legend. He welcomed me, offered tea and snacks, and treated me like a remarkable actor. It was a pivotal moment in my life. Transitioning from a struggling artist to one recognized by esteemed critics was surreal. Meeting Roger Ebert was a highlight, as was my role in Gangs Of Wasseypur. Anurag Kashyap provided me with commercial recognition. That’s why I readily agreed to lend my voice for AK Versus AK. It’s crucial to remain grounded when fame arrives after years of toil,” Nawaz reflected.
His marriage faced challenges three years ago, but Nawaz now expresses contentment. “I’ve never felt more at peace. I have no regrets. Even amidst the rumors surrounding my marriage, I chose silence. It’s wiser to let the storm pass,” he stated.
The first time Nawaz visited my home, he was using a cane due to an injury sustained while filming Ketan Mehta’s Mountain Man in Gaya. When I asked if risking his life for a role was worth it, he replied softly, “Sir, anything for a role.”
For Sudhir Mishra’s Afwaah, Nawaz needed to refine his English with a voice coach to embody his character as an NRI. Unfortunately, he struggled to find time for preparation, resulting in a character whose accent resembled that of a non-rehearsed actor rather than an NRI.
During his second visit, Nawaz appeared transformed and more self-assured. He proudly shared pictures of his newborn daughter. When I asked if he envisioned her as an actress, he vehemently shook his head, saying, “Sir, please don’t curse her with that.”
Rumors now suggest his daughter is preparing to enter the film industry. Best of luck to her.
