In a candid revelation, acclaimed Bollywood actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui has admitted to experimenting with weed during his younger years. In a recent interview with influencer Ranveer Allahbadia, the Gangs of Wasseypur star discussed his past indulgence in smoking weed and bhaang, making it clear that while he once found it enjoyable, he does not intend to promote these substances.
Nawazuddin Siddiqui, known for his dynamic roles in Indian cinema, openly acknowledged that he tried smoking weed because of the influence of people around him. “I had company of some people, who would smoke up so even I ended up doing that,” he said. Reflecting on his actions, Siddiqui added, “I realised later that… I don’t want to promote it. I have made mistakes, but its benefit was that jo travelling milti thi usmein, bada maza aata tha (the high you’d get in that was a lot of fun). But I do not want to promote it at all, it was our mistake and I want to apologise for that.”
The actor’s honesty extended beyond marijuana. Siddiqui also admitted to trying bhaang several times, particularly during the festival of Holi. He described the surreal experiences he had under the influence of bhaang, saying it made him feel like the “biggest actor in the world.” Siddiqui elaborated, “I would think people are my audience, and the world my stage. So, I would perform! I would sometimes be Ashwatthama, Karn, Krishna and perform for hours.”
Siddiqui’s admissions have sparked a broader discussion about substance use in Bollywood and its normalization. Parents, educators, and public figures are using this moment to emphasize the risks associated with drug use and the importance of responsible behavior.
However, Siddiqui has been making headlines for more than just his past experiments with intoxicants. He has also voiced strong opinions on the rising costs of celebrity entourages in Bollywood, an issue that has gained significant traction recently, especially as several high-budget films have underperformed at the box office.
The actor lamented the extravagant demands of some celebrities, which he believes unnecessarily inflate production costs. “There are many unnecessary demands that actors have; they want everything lavish.
. I have even heard that some actors have five vanity vans—one for gymming, one for cooking, one for eating, bathing, practising lines, and what not. Yeh paagalpan hai. Koi paagal hi hoga jo paanch vanity van leke chalta hai,” he said, expressing his disbelief.
Siddiqui took the opportunity to critique this behavior, emphasizing that it is detrimental to film production. “Why would any actor want to increase the cost of the production? This is absolutely wrong. Put money in films instead; that would be a better and wiser thing to do. Jo inn nawaabon ko shaunk hain woh toh film mein nawaabon ke bhi nahi honge,” he added, criticizing the ostentatious demands of some of his peers.
Nawazuddin Siddiqui has often been vocal about the disparities and inefficiencies within the Bollywood industry. As an actor who has climbed the ranks through sheer talent and perseverance, his critique of these lavish habits comes from a place of understanding and experience in the industry’s inner workings. He believes that focusing resources on the film itself, rather than on unnecessary luxuries, would yield better results both artistically and commercially.
The actor’s revelations come at a time when the conversations about mental health, well-being, and substance abuse in the entertainment industry are gaining momentum. His admissions shed light on the pressures actors face and the unhealthy coping mechanisms they might adopt. This acknowledgment serves as a reminder of the importance of promoting a healthy lifestyle and responsible behavior, both within and outside the industry.
With his candidness, Siddiqui aims to dissuade young, impressionable fans from making the same mistakes. By openly discussing the pitfalls and regrets of his past, he provides a valuable lesson in self-awareness and growth. He hopes that by addressing these issues, he can contribute to a more conscientious and efficient Bollywood, where talent and hard work are prioritized over extravagance and indulgence.
Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s willingness to speak out about these personal and industry-wide issues has undoubtedly sparked important conversations. His honesty and pragmatic insights continue to resonate with many, offering both a cautionary tale and a call for industry reform.
