Nawaz: My Abbu Couldn't Watch Bajrangi Bhaijaan

...says the grieving actor, whose father passed away a few days after the film's release

Nawazuddin Siddiqui, who has won rave reviews for his performance in Bajrangi Bhaijaan, has a heart-to-heart chat with 9xe.com. Excerpts:

Bajrangi Bhaijaan is witnessing staggering success and has recorded impressive numbers...
As far as numbers are concerned, I don't understand much. All I know is that it's a good film, we all worked hard for it and it touched people's hearts.



You delivered a hit in Kick last Eid and Bajrangi Bhaijaan this year. Raees is slotted for next Eid...
I can't really say at this stage if Raees will release on Eid or not. The producers have a better idea, but yes, it's encouraging for any actor that his Eid releases become hits. What more can one ask for?



You recently lost your dad...
He was ailing from a very long time and passed away two days after the film hit the theatres. Unfortunately, he was not in a state where I could show him the movie. Such is life, you have to live with it.



However, he must have been proud of your overall success, especially since he has witnessed your struggling period.
My father used to get very angry when he saw me in minuscule roles. He used to say, "Kya tu har film mein pit ke aa jata hai." Finally, when he saw me in Gangs Of Wasseypur, he was happy because I was beating up people for a change (laughs). But I am glad and relieved that after watching my 15 tough years, he could see me grow in Gangs Of Wasseypur and Kahaani.



Coming back to the film, Chand Nawab's career has seen a surge, thanks to your portrayal in the film. Did he get in touch with you?
When his cameraman made that video of him requiring so many takes, it went viral and it became embarrassing for him as a professional. He was quite depressed then. After this film, he has become a star. He called me and invited me to Karachi. I find it interesting that as an actor, I can touch so many lives.



You've worked with Salman and Shah Rukh Khan in Bajrangi Bhaijaan and Raees respectively. Aamir Khan too is all praises for you. Does that put added pressure on you?
I am happy that the Khans are appreciating my work and I thank God for it. I'm fortunate to be working with them. Having said that, I don't view that as an added pressure. When I am facing them as a co-star, I don't view them as stars but as characters. Otherwise, I am being disrespectful to them as actors. I don't want to let that affect me. I will keep doing my best and the rest will fall into in place hopefully.

Given your commendable performances, many compare you to Naseeruddin Shah. What's your take on that?
Oh, he is a veteran. You can't compare me to him. I am hardly as talented as him.

You recently turned father to a baby boy. How is fatherhood treating you?
We named him Yani. There are days when I think he looks like me and at other times, I feel he resembles my wife. But I think he has completely taken after my Abbu. Yani reminds me of my father. And I'm enjoying fatherhood. I change his diapers. I even go and buy diapers for him. I'm loving every moment of it.