Nawazuddin Siddiqui is a critically acclaimed actor who has not only garnered fame in India but in international circles as well. However, it may have taken him some time to get there but after his stupendous performance in ‘Kahaani’ there has been no looking back for this brilliant actor.
“Yes, I am very content with the way my career has shaped up. I like to work with the young directors. They come with fresh ideas and are open to suggestions. Moreover, it is a joy ride working with guys of your age as their thought process is always contemporary,” says Nawaz.
On the challenge of doing justice to different characters he says, “Roles which attract me are the ones I feel I can give my best to justify the character. Connecting to my character in this short film ‘Mehfuz’ directed by Rohit Pandey, which has a very small budget, is important to me. I have always been associated with films which are unique in its own manner like ‘Gangs of Wasseypur’, ‘Aatma’, ‘Kahaani’ and now ‘Mehfuz’.”
On the experience of working on his latest project with director, Rohit Pandey, he says, “Working with Rohit we discussed everything before going onto the sets. He is open to experimenting with characters. I was given a free hand to perform but I always keep in mind the perception of the director for the character he has conceived. ‘Mehfuz’ has already garnered appreciation in the festivals. This short film will give an undying impression of life after death, thereafter making one realise the importance of this one time life given to all of us.”
He smiles an adds tongue in cheek, “Yes, I am totally safe in this film industry. Only that I am not a big star and so, I am residing in a rented house.”
Being successful in his own terms has its own satisfaction as he shares, “I remember I began with performing street shows. The first street show was in Budhana my hometown. While we did a month full of shows at the bus station, railway stations while advertising some oil refinery. The first pay I fetched was an exorbitant amount of Rs 500. At that time this was considered a huge amount. Then, I did ‘Sarfarosh’ . ‘Firaaq’ opposite Shahana Goswami was my debut film but I did gain recognition from ‘Peepli Live’. I feel my career has given me what I deserve.”
Talking about his future projects, the actor shares, “My films yet to release are –— ‘Anwar Ka Ajab Kissa’(Filming), ‘Mountain Man’ (Post Production), ‘Dabba’ (Screened at Cannes), ‘Monsoon Shootout’ (Screened at Cannes). Yes, somehow all the films with which I am associated have unique title. I guess, I am made for doing films with such titles and I am happy about that,” concludes the character actor with a difference.
