Nawazuddin Siddiqui, renowned for his stellar performances in the Indian film industry, recently opened up about the discrimination he has faced due to his looks. Known for his versatility, Siddiqui has left an indelible mark on Indian cinema with notable performances in films such as ‘Gangs of Wasseypur’, ‘Badlapur’, and ‘Manto’. He also garnered international acclaim, earning a nomination at the International Emmy Awards 2021 for ‘Serious Men’. Despite his success and critical acclaim, Siddiqui has not been immune to the harsh realities of societal prejudices.
In a candid interview with News18, Nawazuddin shared his deeply personal experiences with colorism and discrimination. “I don’t know why some people hate us because of our appearance. Maybe it’s because our faces are like this – so ugly. We also feel this when we see ourselves in the mirror. We also say to ourselves, ‘Why did we come into the film industry with such an ugly face?’ I’m the ugliest actor – physically – in the film industry. I believe this because I’ve been hearing all this from the beginning, and now I’m starting to believe it too,” Siddiqui admitted, reflecting the profound impact of years of derogatory comments on his self-perception.
Despite the societal biases he has faced, Nawazuddin expressed his gratitude towards Bollywood for not conforming to these societal norms and instead providing him with ample opportunities. “I have no complaints against the film industry. I want to thank all the directors who have given me a variety of characters. If you have even a little talent, the industry gives you a lot. There is discrimination in society, not in the industry,” he added, emphasizing that the film industry operates differently and gives chances based on talent rather than appearance.
On the professional front, Siddiqui is gearing up for the release of his next film, ‘Rautu Ka Raaz’.
. In this upcoming movie, he will be seen playing the role of a cop, Deepak Negi. The film is set against the scenic backdrop of Rautu Ki Beli, a village in Uttarakhand, and centers around a town that has been free of murder for over fifteen years.
The official synopsis of ‘Rautu Ka Raaz’ reads, “The film revolves around the mysterious death of a warden at a blind school in Rautu Ki Beli, a sleepy town that hasn’t witnessed a murder in over a decade and a half. This is where SHO Deepak Negi aka Nawazuddin Siddiqui and his team step in as they are tasked with solving this rare and high-profile murder investigation.” The narrative promises an intriguing plot that will keep the audience on the edge of their seats.
Adding an interesting dynamic to the film is the portrayal of a unique and jovial camaraderie between SHO Deepak Negi, played by Siddiqui, and sub-inspector Dimri, played by Rajesh Kumar. The duo, forced out of their usual lethargy due to the murder investigation, embarks on an investigative journey that promises both thrills and lighter moments.
The film, which had its grand premiere at the 54th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) last year, was met with a warm reception. It is now set to make its debut on the OTT platform ZEE5, with the premiere slated for June 28th.
Reflecting once again on his journey in the film industry, Nawazuddin stated, “While society often discriminates based on looks, the film industry has been a beacon of hope, rewarding talent and hard work regardless of appearance. It has given me more than I could ever have imagined when I first came into this field.”
Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s journey serves as an inspiring testament to the triumph of talent over prejudice. Despite facing personal and societal challenges, he has emerged as a celebrated figure in the Indian film industry. As he prepares for his next release, audiences eagerly await another memorable performance from an actor who continues to break barriers and redefine success in Bollywood.
Once again, the film industry gears up to showcase the nuanced portrayal that Siddiqui is known for, reminding us that talent truly knows no bounds. As ‘Rautu Ka Raaz’ prepares for its OTT release, one can only anticipate the gripping narrative and stellar performances that are bound to follow.
