Although today, noted Bollywood star-actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui an alumnus of the hallowed ‘NSD’, is hailed as a powerhouse of histrionic talent, he has had an arduous thorny journey across the slippery slopes of stardom. Few are aware that the modest Nawaz made his discreet screen debut in 1999, with a minuscule role in the Aamir Khan starrer ‘Sarfarosh’.
With the ‘junoon’ to face the camera nagging him, he even played a cameo in ‘Munnabhai MBBS’ in the opening scenes where he tries to ‘pick-pocket’ Sunil Dutt’s character. It was only in ‘Peepli Live’ and ‘Talaash’ and especially Sujoy Ghosh’s slick thriller ‘Kahaani’ that Nawazuddin won accolades as the tough, curt intelligence officer. Little wonder than Siddiqui was specially invited by film-maker Subhash Ghai’s Whistling Woods (WWI) academy as part of their 5th Veda session. Enthused Ghai, “Frankly, Nawaz is a finest inspiring example of a talented actor reaching from ‘nowhere’ to ‘somewhere’ and to be known ‘everywhere’ in showbiz, with his sheer dedication.”
Revealed ‘Bajrangi Bhaijaan’ supporting actor Siddiqui, “There were many smart tips that I shared and few misconceptions that I clarified and the WWI students were delighted to grasp the gyaan. Undying passion of practice for over 15 years is the secret of where I am today. Basically it’s the hard work and honesty that I always infuse in all my roles, which matters most,” shrugs ‘The Lunchbox’ actor Nawaz, who has made his striking presence felt in over a dozen recent movies, including the classy Amitabh Bachchan starrer ‘Te3n’.