Talktime | Nawazuddin Siddiqui
The actor has always played characters that have shades of grey rather than outright black or white. With National Film Awards for movies like Talaash, Kahaani and Gangs of Wasseypur, Siddiqui has finally made a place for himself in Bollywood. He talks to Shalini Saksena about his journey so far and how he loved being a part of Badlapur
Badlapur has opened to full houses. How does that make you feelIJ
It feels great. In fact there is no actor who would not rejoice in the fact that his film has done well. It is nice to know that people have appreciated it. It is not very often that one sees these kind of films do well commercially even if it is made for the masses.
Do you think that theatre actors like yourself have not got their dueIJ
I will not agree with that. Actors like ourselves do not fall into a set category and that is what works in our favour. Only the hero and villain get typecast, an actor can never be cast into a set mould. We are actors and the fact that we get to do varied roles, is a success story in itself. Films like Gangs of Wasseypur have given me the recognition that I deserve.
You are now working with Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan. Would you feel intimidated while working with such biggiesIJ
While they have made a place for themselves as big super stars in Bollywood, I have my own pace. Their movies become super-duper hits just because they are the lead, but if my movie can even capture five per cent of the market share I am happy. I have worked with Salman in Kick so the question of being intimidated doesn’t arise.
You come across as a very understated actor in your films. Is this a conscious move on your partIJ
I don’t want to repeat myself by playing a similar type of role. At the same time, it is the director who gives us the clue. He tells me what he wants from the character and how that role needs to progress. It just so happens that most of the roles that I have played are not over the top or loud.
How was your experience working with Varun DhawanIJ
It was great. Considering that he has only a few films to his name, he has given a great performance in Badlapur.
You have done varied roles — from working in small budget films to working in international projects. How did this happenIJ
As an actor, if I have liked a project I have said yes to it. That is why we are here — to work. For example in The lunchbox, it is a small budget film that made its round in the international circuit and got its due, made money and the work of the actors appreciated.
One has not seen you do many films where you are the central characterIJ
I did Gangs... But yes, after that there have not been many movies where I am at the centre of it all. But in movies like Monsoon Shootout and Mountain Man, to be released soon, I play the lead.
You are very grounded despite your success...
This industry is not kind to people; you are a successful actor one day and the next day people don’t even recognise you. I have seen many stars who have reached the top only to fall hard just because they let success get to them. One has to learn a lesson from other’s experience and move forward. I have done the same.