Nawazuddin Siddiqui Speaks Against Discrimination in Bollywood, Points Out How Looks Matter More Than Talent

Nawazuddin Siddiqui, known for his powerful performances, recently opened up about the ongoing discrimination actors face due to their looks. In a candid chat with Mid-Day, Nawazuddin questioned why talented artists often do not get the same opportunities as conventionally good-looking stars.

He referred to legends like Irrfan Khan, Manoj Bajpayee, Naseeruddin Shah and Om Puri. Speaking strongly, Nawazuddin said, “We are seeing what’s happening to the films that are coming nowadays with new actors. The problem is, whether it was Irrfan [Khan] bhai, or Manoj [Bajpayee], Naseeruddin [Shah] saab or Om Puri saab, has anyone ever made a film with them worth ?20-30 crore? Today, you shower praise at them and call them great actors, but no one ever made a big film with them. It happens only here.”

The actor highlighted how in India, there is a culture of categorising performers into "hero, star, superstar" rather than focusing purely on their talent. Nawazuddin pointed out that even the finest actors often end up in smaller roles. “Internationally, they don’t differentiate between actors. They just cast a good actor. Here, we have categories like actor, hero, star, superstar. We have such great actors among us, you will spot them in movies or series in smaller roles. They aren’t supporting actors. They are great actors. Yet no one thought of making a film with them. And maybe no one ever will. We will be gone one day, but this will go on,” he added.

His words have sparked a fresh conversation in the industry, making many wonder whether true acting talent is ever truly recognised at a larger scale in Bollywood.

On the work front, Nawazuddin Siddiqui has an exciting project coming up. He will soon be seen in Costao, a film based on the life of Costao Fernandes. Set against the backdrop of 1990s Goa, the story follows Costao’s brave stand against gold smugglers and corruption, despite facing personal losses. The film will release on ZEE5 on May 1. Directed by debutant Sejal Shah, Costao also stars Priya Bapat, Kishore Kumar G, Gagan Dev Riar, and Hussain Dalal.

With Nawazuddin continuing to choose powerful stories, it is clear he believes in roles that truly challenge and celebrate an actor’s craft beyond the stereotypes.