Salman bhai told me the difference between an actor and a star

Nawazuddin Siddiqui came to Mumbai to act in television serials, but destiny clearly had bigger plans for him. And today, as this talented actor gears up for his next big release Bajrangi Bhaijaan, we speak to him about his rapport with Salman Khan, his journey in Bollywood and why the term 'dark character' evokes a dark response from him! Excerpts from a conversation...

What was it like playing a television journalist in Bajrangi Bhaijaan? Did you have to work on the language?
It's an interesting role, it's a very positive character. I play this normal guy, a simple reporter from Pakistan. The language is the same, just a little change, based on the region he belongs to.

READ - Salman Khan's 'Bajrangi Bhaijaan': The making

Did you model your role on Pakistani journalist Chand Nawab, whose videos had gone viral a few years ago?
I did see the videos that had gone viral, but that was about it. It's not modelled on any one person; in fact for reference, I had watched many videos.

You worked with Salman in Kick earlier. How different was the experience inBajrangi Bhaijaan?
After the interval, it's a journey with Salman Khan only. The scenes between us are conversational and very relatable. His character here isn't larger-than-life. Yes, it was far easier working with Salman bhai this time. During Kick, I didn't know him and initially, I wondered how he'd be. I saw him for the first time on the set of the film. This time around, we knew each other well. The outdoor shoots, where we get to spend a lot of time together after pack up and develop a bond, really helps us actors. Salman bhai is a generous person and I have seen he really takes care of the people on the set.

Salman is known for his subtle sense of humour. Did you experience it?
One day bhai told me, 'I'll tell you the difference between an actor and a star. If an actor is given a task, for instance, of passing a thread through a needle, he will sincerely do it, focussing totally on it. But if a Salman Khan has to do it, the focus is on Salman Khan doing it, nevermind whether the thread goes through the needle!'

So hypothetically now, if you are given such a task, what would you do... be the actor or the star?
(Laughs) My process will be the same... I'll be focussed on putting the thread into the needle with all honesty!

You have come a long way. Did you ever dream of getting to this point in your career?
I thought I would do chhota-mota roles. I came here with no dreams and was happy doing whatever work I got. Waise toh main serials karne aaya tha, ab woh hi nahi mile mujhe!



And now you are even doing a Hollywood film...
Yes, I have done a two-scene role in Lion, but I'm not dying to do a Hollywood film. I don't need a Hollywood stamp to be known as an actor. In fact, I think we have such good films being made here right now.

In Bajrangi..., you are playing a positive role, unlike the 'dark characters' that you otherwise play. But does the term 'dark characters' irk you?
What are these dark characters that people refer to? Jab log mujhse kehte hain, 'Aap yeh dark characters karte hain,' toh main unse kehta hoon, 'Haan, yeh dark characters milte hain kyunki main dark hoon!' Shakespeare's characters were considered dark because those situations were extreme and complex. These are light characters.

Have you ever secretly wanted to do a light, romantic film?
Actually why not? I would like to do a romantic film too.

After Gangs Of Wasseypur, what is the one change that you see in yourself?
Honestly, I can't see any change in me. I work with the same passion since the time I came from Delhi in 2000. The film shooting process remains as interesting for me.

The confidence level must be higher...
I'm still as confused as I have always been. Whenever I have a shot to give, I am very nervous about whether I will be able to perform the way I have planned. That feeling actually helps me focus better. If I start thinking, 'Oh I'll do it' then I'll get into a comfort zone.

Have you ever felt that you've got into a comfort zone?
Yes, when I was doing theatre. I had done 100 to 150 plays. I was into comedy and would go on stage and improvise. And later, when I was coming to Mumbai, my teachers told me not to do comedy.

Theatre, films... how different are the two?
Stage demands acting and camera explores expressions. On camera, by moving your eyeballs you can say what you want to. Camera is more personal and captures even your subtle actions, while on stage it's only through dialogues, gestures or postures that you can show you are a bad guy or a good guy. Both are different and have their own charm.

Coming back to Bajrangi Bhaijaan, director Kabir Khan took you all across the country to shoot.
Yes, physically it was very challenging; we have literally climbed mountains and shot scenes. Otherwise, it was quite a relaxed atmosphere on the set. I have also worked with Kabir Khan in New York and he has always been a very easy person to work with and that's how he keeps it on the set too.