Nawazuddin Siddiqui's rendezvous with acting began during his college days when he joined a theater group. He had a great passion for stage act without knowing that this would be the stepping stone to his illustrious career. Siddiqui moved to Mumbai, the city of dreams, with nothing but a pocketful of hope and determination. He faced numerous rejections and struggled very hard to survive. However, his unwavering passion for acting kept him going.
On May 19th, the Indian film industry celebrates the birthday of one of its most talented and versatile actor, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, he turned 49 today. With his unconventional looks, powerful performances, and ability to effortlessly slip into any character, Siddiqui has shaped his own style. Born in Budhana, a small town in Uttar Pradesh, India, Siddiqui's journey from humble beginnings to becoming a celebrated actor is unparalleled.
Siddiqui's breakthrough came in 2007 with Anurag Kashyap's crime drama "Black Friday," where he played the role of Asgar Mukadam, one of the accused in the 1993 Bomb blast case. Although the film faced controversy and was delayed for several years, Siddiqui's exceptional portrayal was widely acclaimed. In the following years, Siddiqui became a familiar face in independent and parallel cinema. Whether it was the gangster Ganesh Gaitonde in the critically acclaimed web series "Sacred Games" or the real-life writer Saadat Hasan Manto in the biographical drama "Manto," Siddiqui's performances were tremendous.
One of the defining aspects of Siddiqui's career is his ability to excel in both supporting and lead roles. Audience will remember impressive characters like the eccentric Pakistani wedding photographer in "The Lunchbox", the protagonist in films like "Manjhi: The Mountain Man" and "Raman Raghav 2.0." The brilliant actor shared the screen with internationally acclaimed actors like Nicole Kidman and Dev Patel in the Australian-American film "Lion." His portrayal of a supportive friend who helps Patel's character in his quest to find his family won him critical acclaim globally.
In 2020, he released his autobiography, "An Ordinary Life: A Memoir," which created controversy and grabbed headlines for its candid revelations. Nawazuddin Siddiqui has played a plethora of memorable characters throughout his career. Here, we highlight five of his most remarkable roles that showcase his versatility and acting prowess.
Faisal Khan - "Gangs of Wasseypur" (2012)
In Anurag Kashyap's epic crime saga, Siddiqui portrayed the character of Faizal Khan, a conflicted and reluctant gangster. Siddiqui's representation of Faisal received widespread acclaim. He captured the essence of the character's evolution, starting as a timid young man and transforming into a ruthless and authoritative figure. Siddiqui's stellar performance in this film earned him his breakthrough moment in Bollywood.
Dashrath Manjhi - "Manjhi: The Mountain Man" (2015)
Based on a true story, Siddiqui played the role of Dashrath Manjhi, a laborer who single-handedly carved a path through a mountain using only a hammer and chisel. He perfectly captured the emotional depth of a man driven by love and determination, showcasing his ability to bring authenticity and rawness to his characters. Siddiqui's performance in this biographical drama was highly acclaimed by critics and audiences alike.
Shaikh - "The Lunchbox" (2013)
In this heartwarming romantic drama, Siddiqui portrayed Shaikh, a lonely government employee who accidentally becomes the recipient of a lunchbox. Siddiqui's representation of Shaikh, a simple and kind-hearted man seeking connection, conveyed a wide range of emotions with minimal dialogue, relying on his expressive eyes and body language to captivate audience.
Asgar Mukadam - "Black Friday" (2007)
Siddiqui's breakthrough role came with his portrayal of Asgar Mukadam, one of the accused in the 1993 Bombay bombings, in Anurag Kashyap's "Black Friday." Despite having limited screen time, Siddiqui left an indelible mark with his intense performance. He effectively captured the complexities of a man caught in the midst of a tumultuous event. Siddiqui's portrayal in "Black Friday" laid the foundation for his future success in the industry.
Ganesh Gaitonde - "Sacred Games" (2018-2019)
In the critically acclaimed web series "Sacred Games," Siddiqui portrayed Ganesh Gaitonde, a notorious gangster with a mysterious past. Siddiqui's portrayal of Gaitonde was both captivating and chilling. He brought an unfathomable charisma to the character, seamlessly switching between vulnerability and brutality.
Siddiqui's contributions to Indian cinema is not limited to entertaining audiences but also challenged societal norms and expanded the boundaries of storytelling. Siddiqui's remarkable performance will continue to leave a lasting impact in the world of acting.
