Nawazuddin Siddiqui is among the most successful Bollywood actors. His success is an extremely inspiring one, that of a boy from a small town achieving success. All the characters he has essayed till now are proof of his acting range. On Nawazuddin Siddiqui‘s birthday, May 19, here are 10 interesting but lesser-known facts about the actor.
1. He was a village boy
Nawazuddin was born in Budhana, a rural village in Muzaffarnagar district, Uttar Pradesh. He is the son of a farmer and never dreamed as a kid that he would become a successful actor someday.
2. He was a chemist before acting
Before beginning his acting career, Nawazuddin was a chemist in Vadodara, Gujarat. However, he was not happy with his job and always wanted to do something extraordinary and creative.
3. He was a student of the National School of Drama (NSD)
Nawazuddin got enrolled in the National School of Drama (NSD) in New Delhi. He graduated there in 1996, but his life wasn’t easy immediately. It took him several years of hardships before everyone recognized him and his talent.
4. He was a struggling actor
Despite NSD, it wasn’t easy. Nawazuddin did plenty of little roles and extras for films. He did starve at times, just picking around for something to eat, sharing a living room with friends. He never gave up his passion, though. Some of the newest Nawazuddin Siddiqui movies on ZEE5, including Rautu Ka Raaz and Costao, are evidence of his transition from being a side actor to being the leading man.
5. His cinema breakthrough was a gradual one
Some of the best films by Nawazuddin Siddiqui are the classic “Gangs of Wasseypur” in 2012, which truly thrust him into the limelight. Before this, he played supporting but powerful roles in “Black Friday” and “Peepli Live”, in which his ability went unremarked. It was, however, Gangs of Wasseypur that finally established how good he could be, and everyone took notice. Earlier this year, his turn in “Haddi” again demonstrated that he’s an actor who can fully change for a character.
6. He doesn’t look like the typical Bollywood hero
In an industry ruled by tall, blonde, muscular actors, Nawazuddin is the exception to the rule. He’s got a natural, real look and is more concerned with acting than looks. This has earned him a fan base that appreciates good storytelling and real characters.
7. He has collaborated with top film directors
Nawazuddin has collaborated with some of the greatest movie directors of India, such as Anurag Kashyap, Nandita Das, and Ritesh Batra. His role as a renowned writer in the movie Manto was also appreciated by most critics.
8. He acted in a Hollywood film
The actor was also seen in an international movie called “Lion” (2016), which had Dev Patel. This may have been a supporting role, but it showed that the ability of Nawazuddin is not going unnoticed all over the world.
9. He’s also a farmer at heart
Although he has achieved so much success as an actor, Nawazuddin never forgot his roots. He still visits his village and even cultivates the land. In several interviews, he has mentioned that working on the earth calms him and makes him humble.
10. He prefers a simple life
Nawazuddin lives a simple life. He never asks for glamor or money. He likes dressing in ordinary clothing, remaining close to nature, and dedicating himself to work. Drama is his recreation and not a job.
Nawazuddin is liked by common people because he is real, honest, and dedicated. He is an excellent actor who can easily play any role. His acting is natural and deep. He does not act, he becomes the character. On the birthday of Siddiqui on May 19, we wish him even more success, good health, and happiness.
