In an industry where personal and professional boundaries often blur, actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui recently shed light on his relationship with director Anurag Kashyap. In a candid interview, Siddiqui made it clear that despite their long working history, he and Kashyap are not friends outside of their professional engagements.
Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Anurag Kashyap both share an illustrious journey in the Indian film industry. Kashyap has been instrumental in shaping Siddiqui’s career over the past 25 years, yet their bond remains strictly professional. This revelation came to light when Kashyap mentioned in a recent interview about how celebrity designers once refused to make a suit for Siddiqui.
In an engaging conversation with the Indian Express, Siddiqui delved deeper into this unique dynamic. “It was during Gangs Of Wasseypur. The film had not released yet. Of course, it hurt that people had that kind of approach toward an actor. I felt ajeeb (weird),” Nawazuddin shared. He further elaborated that while he harbors great respect and admiration for Kashyap, their interactions have always been minimal.
Nawazuddin went on to explain that he holds Kashyap in a special place in his heart, despite their lack of frequent communication. “Anurag and I are not even friends, frankly speaking. If we sit together, we might not even talk to each other for hours. We are like that. We have flown together, traveled together for 5-6 hours without saying a word, maybe we’ll ask if you have matchsticks, or come, let’s eat something or drink. We only discuss these things. We don’t talk much. But Anurag has a special place in my heart. I always want him to be healthy and make films even if he doesn’t cast me in them. Anurag should always keep making films. Kabhi koi aanch nahi aani chaahiye Anurag ko bass (Anurag should never have any problems),” he said.
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The actor’s revelation adds an intriguing layer to the professional relationships often observed in Bollywood. While personal bonds are forged on set, they do not necessarily translate into friendships off the set.
Switching gears, Nawazuddin also shared some heartwarming anecdotes about working with Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan. As the film ‘Sarfarosh’ recently turned 25, Nawazuddin reminisced about his humble beginnings in the industry. In ‘Sarfarosh,’ Nawazuddin made a brief but memorable appearance, which eventually led to another collaboration with Aamir in ‘Talaash: The Answer Lies Within’.
“Sharing the screen with Aamir in both ‘Sarfarosh’ and ‘Talaash’ has been a remarkable journey. Off the sets, our bond was just as strong, full of mutual respect and an unspoken understanding,” revealed Nawazuddin. He noted that working with Aamir has always been a profoundly enriching experience filled with stimulating conversations that often transcend the confines of their film scripts.
He further added, “Aamir’s dedication and passion for his craft are truly inspiring, and our discussions often went beyond scripts and scenes. We loved discussing cinema.” Notably, both films highlighted Nawazuddin’s versatility as an actor and his knack for bringing depth to his characters, factors that endeared him to audiences and colleagues alike.
In the film industry, actors and directors rarely form bonds that extend beyond their work. However, filmmaker Anurag Kashyap’s recent anecdote about a time when celebrity designers refused to craft a suit for Nawazuddin Siddiqui compelled the actor to clarify his stance on their relationship once again. Despite Kashyap’s significant impact on his career, Nawazuddin emphasized that they are not friends.
In the same interaction with Indian Express, Siddiqui reaffirmed his admiration for Kashyap’s craft and shared his desire for the filmmaker’s continued success. Nawaz said, “Anurag has a special place in my heart. I always want him to be healthy and make films even if he doesn’t cast me in them. Anurag should always keep making films. Kabhi koi aanch nahi aani chaahiye Anurag ko bass.”
Nawazuddin’s reflections provide a nuanced glimpse into the professional relationships that define Bollywood. While personal connections may not always form, mutual respect and admiration often create a foundation for enduring professional collaborations. With his heartfelt accounts of working with both Anurag Kashyap and Aamir Khan, Siddiqui underscores the unique, often transactional nature of relationships in the world of cinema.
