Designers REFUSE to work for Kahaani actor

John,Tusshar love flaunting their butts: Siddiqui

He has a number of critically acclaimed films under his belt. And the year 2012 has been exceptionally good for actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui who has been part of movies like "Paan Singh Tomar" and "Kaahani" that not only fared well at the box office, but also managed to propel him into the spotlight.

And the good run does not end here. The actor is currently gearing up for his maiden visit to Cannes as three of his films, "Gangs of Wasseypur 1 and 2" and "Miss Lovely" will be showcased at the festival. "I'm really excited as three of my films will be featured at the Cannes Film Festival. " Miss Lovely" in the "Un Certain Regard" section and "Gangs..." in the Directors' Fortnight section. I'm leaving on May 22," says the actor.

For someone who struggled for a long time to get a foothold in the movie industry, this is no small achievement. "There was a time when no one wanted to give me work as I was not a known name. But thanks to filmmakers like Ashvin Kumar and Anurag Kashyap, who recognized my potential as an actor," says Nawaz. In fact, it was Kashyap's " Black Friday" that saw the actor play an important role in films for the first time.

The journey has not been an easy one for the actor who comes from a small town near Delhi called Buhana. "I passed out from the National School of Drama in 1996. I did Hindi theatre in Delhi, but there is no money in it. Poverty then forced me to move to Mumbai as the theatre scene is better there. But once in Mumbai, meri haalat aur kharab ho gayee thi. There were times when I went hungry. But filmmakers like Anurag, who are not hung up about working with 'stars' only, recognised the true potential in me ," recalls Nawaz.

Of course, the actor does not regret hitting the limelight late in life. "Yes, things did begin to look up a little late for me. But I have no regrets. After I did "Black Friday", perceptions about me in the industry changed. I then went on to do films like "Firaaq" and "Peepli Live" that only consolidated my position as an actor of substance," he quips.

And being an 'actor of substance' is what Nawaz wants to be known as. "I want to do good films, not the ones with unnecessary naach gaana. These days the movies are vulgar. The jokes are pedestrian and the story meaningless. Yet, families go the theatres to watch them. And the publicity campaign is no better. Actors like John and Tusshar love flaunting their butts, lekin unke paas substance nahi hai. I rather go hungry than do meaningless flicks."

But at the same time, the actor does not want to shortchange himself either. "I don't care about money or recognition - just give me what I'm worth. I don't want to be known as someone who makes loads of moolah without delivering a good performance. I have struggled for 10 years and stayed hungry because I didn't want to compromise on my integrity as an actor. And I'll continue to do the same." So, does that mean the actor will not be seen in big budget commercial flicks doing bit parts? "No, even if they pay me pot loads of money. Look, today the lines between 'mainstream' and 'art' are blurred. Either the film is good or bad. "Paan Singh Tomar" or "Kahaani" did not have commercial trappings, yet they did well at the BO. The audience has changed and loves a good story," explains the actor.

With just a few days left for the actor to fly to Cannes, we quiz him on his sartorial choice for the red carpet. What he then says comes as a shocker. "I approached a few designers and asked if a suit could be made for my Cannes visit. They outright refused me as none of them could believe I was going to Cannes. I then went to a shop, picked out a suit material and gave it to a local tailor. And that's what I'll be wearing on the red carpet." He goes on to say, "Mujhe bahut bura laga. But then I realised that I'm no Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. Actors from our industry go to Cannes to represent brands. Designers fall all over them pleading them to wear their outfits. But when an actor like me, who is going to Cannes to represent a film, approaches the designers, they outright refuse us. They don't think we are worthy of their outfits," says a visibly hurt Nawaz.

But putting the insulting episode behind him, Nawaz is prepared to walk the red carpet in style. Meanwhile his folks back home do not have a clue on the importance of the film festival. "I come from a small town called Buhana. People there are mostly farmers, including my family. They don't know what Cannes is all about. All they know is that I'll be travelling abroad."

And after his maiden visit to the French Riviera, the actor will gear up for a few big ticket releases. "This year I have a number of films hitting the screens - "Talaash" starring Aamir Khan, "Dekh Indian Circus", "Patang" and six other films. Yes, life is only looking better for me from now on," signs off the actor on a positive note.