Nawazuddin Siddiqui reflects on coaching Ranveer Singh before his bollywood debut in Band Baaja Baaraat

Nawazuddin Siddiqui, renowned for his remarkable roles in films like Gangs of Wasseypur, has proven his versatility not only as an actor but also as an acting mentor. While the actor is best known for his breakthrough performances, one lesser-known fact about him is that he also helped Ranveer Singh prepare for his Bollywood debut in Band Baaja Baaraat (2010).

In a recent interview with Pinkvilla, Nawazuddin shared insights into his career and his experiences before his career soared with Gangs of Wasseypur (2012). When asked about his role in Ranveer Singh's debut film, Nawazuddin confirmed that he had indeed trained the actor, stating, "For some time, yes, I had trained him. I had become a guy who would take workshops often. If someone wanted to become an actor and get launched, I was the go-to person."

Nawazuddin’s role in guiding Ranveer was part of his broader involvement in acting workshops. He often helped aspiring actors by providing guidance and training, sharing his knowledge and experience. However, when questioned about whether he could take credit for Ranveer’s success, Nawazuddin was quick to clarify his stance.

Nawazuddin Siddiqui mentioned that Ranveer Singh is a very good actor and added that acting cannot be taught like a magic potion. He explained that the craft has to be discovered from within. While one can be shown different approaches, Nawazuddin believed that the journey must ultimately be walked alone, highlighting the importance of individual talent and self-discovery in acting.

Currently, Nawazuddin is seen in the film Costao, where he plays the role of Costao Fernandes, a Goa-based customs officer who sacrifices everything to uncover a gold-smuggling operation. Directed by Sejal Shah, the film is a biographical drama that also stars Priya Bapat, Kishore, Hussain Dalal, and Mahika Sharma in pivotal roles. The film is streaming on ZEE5.

Meanwhile, Ranveer Singh is busy with his upcoming project, Dhurandhar, directed by Aditya Dhar. The film is a spy thriller set within the world of Indian intelligence agencies, where Ranveer is reportedly portraying a R&AW agent. The film also features a strong ensemble cast, including Sanjay Dutt, R Madhavan, Arjun Rampal, and Akshaye Khanna.