Nawazuddin Siddiqui backs stars dancing at weddings, says actors are no different from jesters

Time of India

19-05-2025

Renowned actor
Nawazuddin Siddiqui
recently offered a refreshingly frank perspective on the way actors are viewed by society, especially in the context of performing at private events. In an interview on the All About Eve YouTube channel, the
Sacred Games
star made it clear that he holds no issue with
actors dancing at weddings
or exclusive parties in exchange for large payments. In fact, he openly admitted that he would gladly accept such an offer if it came his way.
When the interviewer asked if he would be comfortable dancing at a wedding for a fee, Nawaz responded with complete sincerity: 'Absolutely, why wouldn't I? What's the big deal? It's a part of what we do for a living. People often criticize actors for dancing at weddings, but I don't see the harm. At the end of the day, we are
performers
— entertainers. Historically,
entertainers
or 'bhands' were looked down upon. They weren't accepted in mainstream social circles. In those days, they were seen as immoral or lacking principles, as bad influences. Villages would make them stay outside in tents. They were only allowed in to perform and then immediately sent away.'
He then reflected on how the entertainment industry has transformed over time. Nawazuddin acknowledged that today's actors wear designer clothes and earn much more than earlier generations of performers. Still, despite the newfound glamor and financial success, he pointed out that the essence of the profession remains the same. He admitted that actors no longer like being called 'bh**nds,' but that term once defined their place in society, even though the work itself hasn't changed all that much.
Soon after the interview clip was posted on Reddit, it sparked a wave of online reactions. Social media users quickly joined the conversation, expressing a range of opinions. One person wrote, 'They view themselves as entertainers, and that's perfectly valid. I don't get why people make such a fuss about it — to each their own.' Another added, 'He makes a fair point. People in the past had a very limited and judgmental view of things.' One commenter, however, playfully questioned his reach, saying, 'No shade to Nawaz, bro, but I doubt he'd actually be invited to perform at elite weddings, let alone get paid that kind of money. So no, you're not a 'bh**nd' and probably won't become one either, lol.'
On the professional front, Nawazuddin was last seen in Costao, a biographical crime thriller. He portrayed Coatao Fernandes, a brave customs officer from Goa who risked his life to bust a gold smuggling racket. Directed by Sejal Shah, the film also stars Priya Bapat, Kishore, and Hussain Dalal, and is currently available for streaming on ZEE5.