Mumbai, July 8: He has left behind a long struggle to get where he has reached and he claims that he still has a long way to go and this is just the beginning. Nawazuddin Siddiqui, through his work won accolades and critical acclaim for his roles, not just in Bollywood but in international cinema as well. But the man's mannerisms do not speak of even a hint of vanity. Nawazuddin Siddiqui is finally being recognised by mainstream Bollywood directors and is given the significance that he so rightly deserves.
With his big banner release, Bajrangi Bhaijaan' just around the corner, and many more such films already in his kitty, Nawazuddin Siddiqui spoke to us about his upcoming films, his life as an actor and the experience of shooting with Salman Khan for Bajrangi Bhaijaan:
Usually, people die to work with the Khans. But here it looks like the Khans are chasing you. After Kick, this is your second film with Salman and in Raees' you will be seen with Shah Rukh Khan. How does it feel?
To be very frank, my intention in working with them is to gain popularity and to be seen. These actors have big fan following and even if I get a small role in one of their films and even if 5% of their fans watch it, my film will automatically be a hit! The second reason is that the script of both these films is very unique and strong. Also, I always work with directors who I really trust. I have known Kabir Khan (director of Bajrangi Bhaijaan) from New York and I know the way he works, so that interest to work with him again was always there. Beyond that, I would just say, they (the Khans) don't need me, I need them! (laughs)
You started working with very niche films like Patang' and Miss Lovely' and these are the films that have moulded you as an actor. Now that you have moved on to doing commercial films, do you ever feel that you have struck a compromise and does it bother you?
When I did Patang', the film was not released here in India, it was released in the U.S. The film was shot in a very unique manner and of course it gave me freedom to explore myself as an actor and it was a very interesting film, not really an arthouse film. But unfortunately, both the films that you mentioned had not been promoted and they reached very less number of people. So as actor it is disappointing when something that you have worked so hard for, is not even appreciated or does not even reach the audience. I would still love to do such films but as an actor I am also selfish and I want my films to be at least watched by a large number of people.
All your roles in mainstream Bollywood and which have been recognized like Taimur's role in Talaash' and now the one in Bajrangi Bhaijaan', have been supporting roles. Do you have any specific goal to change that status of a supporting actor?
Films where I have significant lead role will be released soon. It's only been two three years ever since I started appearing in mainstream Bollywood. There's still a long long way to go! Abhi just chill yaar!
Till now all your roles have been negative and have had grey shades and in this film you are playing a positive role...
There's a difference between an out and out negative role and a role with grey shades. As an actor, I want to do roles that have layers and that are complicated because these characters are interesting. I enjoy playing such characters. The only out and out negative role that I have played is that in Kick and to that I added an extra zing by adding a funny element to it. I did not want to make it like any typical villianous character.
Talking on the same lines, it was heard that you had been offered a negative role in Sultan and that you turned it down because of the nature of the role...
I don't know anything about that. I haven't heard about it before.
How was your experience shooting in Kashmir?
The shooting in Kashmir went quite smoothly and there was no untoward incident. That made me realize that the kind of image that we have of the state, is quite opposite to the one that I experienced. I was especially touched with the simplicity of the people living there.
How was your experience shooting with the little girl Harshaali Malhotra?
It was difficult shooting with her because she is extremely moody, like all kids are. There were times when she would not feel like shooting and the entire shoot had to be stalled. Then she had to be persuaded to change her mind by cajoling her for example by arranging her favourite chocolate for her. (laughs) But it was quite an enjoyable experience and whenever she had to come in the frame Salmaan bhai and me would relax and give up acting, because the focus would automatically shift to her.
Just recently Arshad Warsi had said, allegedly jokingly, that I am a better actor than Nawaz. What would you say to that comment?
He could have been joking, how do I comment on that? Everybody is allowed their share of fun! (laughs)
So many of your films have gained recognition internationally. But we have never seen you singing self praises or praising your own work and recognition...
Yaar, six of my films have been screened in Cannes Film Festival within a span of two years and I think there's no International Film Festival where my film has not screened. When my films are gaining recognition so often, then where is the need for me to say anything? I am used to it. Now if someone's film goes international after a long time, they enjoy talking about it, because to them it's a great achievement!
How did you think of the name Yaani' for your newborn baby boy?
I had decided long back that I would name my daughter Shoraa and my son Yaani. The name's meaning is very interesting; it means King Cool'. Also, Yaani is the name of a world famous music composer and I really liked the sound of the name.
What is one message that you would like to give the young generation of aspiring actors and actresses?
Do not let go of the uniqueness in you. Always cherish your differences and do not try to blend in with the crowd. Your peculiarities and the new things that you bring to the table are your one and only Unique Selling Point (USP) and they will help you stand out in the crowd.
Modified Date: July 08, 2015 2:39 PM
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