Latest news with #Costao
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First Post
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- First Post
Nawazuddin Siddiqui credits Manoj Bajpayee & Irrfan Khan for breaking stereotypes: 'Even if I get a 40-second role...'
Nawazuddin shared that when he arrived in Mumbai, he witnessed how actors like Manoj Bajpayee and Irrfan Khan were already breaking stereotypes read more Nawazuddin Siddiqui has carved a place for himself among the legendary actors of Indian cinema, not just for the films he has done, but for the depth and brilliance he brings to every performance. His consistently remarkable work has earned him a well-deserved iconic status over the years. He is often mentioned in the same league as the late Irrfan Khan, who gave Indian cinema some of its finest moments. Nawaz has proven that passion and dedication can help you rise above all odds. In a recent interview, he spoke about arriving in Mumbai with dreams and, despite not fitting the stereotypical hero mould, making his mark, crediting Irrfan Khan and Manoj Bajpayee for paving the way. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Nawazuddin shared that when he arrived in Mumbai, he witnessed how actors like Manoj Bajpayee and Irrfan Khan were already breaking stereotypes. With Satya released, Manoj was redefining norms in Bollywood. Reflecting on their impact, Nawaz said, 'Manoj bhai and Irrfan bhai gave us a lot of confidence and hope.' Nawazuddin Siddiqui shared that while he had no delusions about his looks, he had complete clarity about his abilities as an actor and was confident he would make an impact. 'I knew that I had trained myself so well that even if I get a 40-second role, I will be able to make an impact on the audience. I was doing theatre in Delhi, but wasn't earning enough to survive. I came to Mumbai thinking that I would earn some money, whatever is required for basic survival, by acting in television serials and picking up some bit roles in movies, and along with it, continue to do theatre. Agar kuchh bhi nehi mila toh I would put together a theatre group and do street plays. I just wanted to keep acting and keep honing my craft.' Nawazuddin Siddiqui has been consistently proving his mettle as an actor with every performance. Audiences are always eager to witness what he brings to the screen next. His recent film Costao earned critical acclaim, further solidifying his status as a legendary performer. With several exciting projects in the pipeline, Nawaz is currently busy shooting for several projects. He will next be seen in Maddock Films' horror-comedy Thama, starring alongside Rashmika Mandanna and Ayushmann Khurrana, raising expectations for yet another iconic performance.
New Indian Express
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Projects choose me, characters find me: Actress Mahika Sharma
With a flair for comedy and a fearless screen presence, Mahika Sharma is making her mark. Known for diverse roles across television and film, she also did theatre for six years on the Delhi theatre circuit. In 2025, Sharma expanded her filmography with a significant role in biographical crime drama Costao. She plays its villain Peter D'Mello's young wife, Cassandra. Directed by Sejal Shah, film star Nawazuddin Siddiqui plays the role of Costao Fernandes, a Goa customs officer who exposes a major gold smuggling operation in the 1990s. Though new to the industry, Sharma has a head on her shoulders. She says it's always joyful to work with seasoned actors. 'When you start off, you don't choose, you just audition. I always wanted to work with Nawaz sir. My character, Cassandra, is a young girl who gets caught up in bigger politics. My reel roles have somehow run parallel to my real life. Before I got Costao, I was figuring out how to sustain myself in Mumbai. Cassandra came to me at a time when I think I needed her the most.' Acting in the crime drama thriller television series Breathe: Into the Shadows to Liberation, was another intense experience. Sharma thrives in transforming herself with each role. When asked how she selects such varied roles, she says: 'I would say it's the other way round. Projects choose me and characters find me. I like to work on projects where I can explore impactful roles. It's always a delight to do challenging roles, where I can live vastly different lives in one lifetime!' For Sharma, creativity isn't confined to scripts and sets. A trained MMA enthusiast, a passionate musician, painter, and writer, her personal interests often bleed into her professional aspirations.
New Indian Express
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
'Projects choose me & characters find me'
With a flair for comedy and a fearless screen presence, Mahika Sharma is making her mark. Known for diverse roles across television and film, she gained prominence with her portrayal in the TV show F.I.R. and the Bollywood comedy film Mr. Joe B. Carvalho. In 2025, Sharma expanded her filmography with a significant role in biographical crime drama Costao. She plays its villain Peter D'Mello's young wife, Cassandra. Directed by Sejal Shah, film star Nawazuddin Siddiqui plays the role of Costao Fernandes, a Goa customs officer who exposes a major gold smuggling operation in the 1990s. Though new to the industry, Sharma has a head on her shoulders. She says it's always joyful to work with seasoned actors. 'When you start off, you don't choose, you just audition. I always wanted to work with Nawaz sir. My character, Cassandra, is a young girl who gets caught up in bigger politics. My reel roles have somehow run parallel to my real life. Before I got Costao, I was figuring out how to sustain myself in Mumbai. Cassandra came to me at a time when I think I needed her the most.' Acting in the crime drama thriller television series Breathe: Into the Shadows to Liberation, was another intense experience. Sharma thrives in transforming herself with each role. When asked how she selects such varied roles, she says: 'I would say it's the other way round. Projects choose me and characters find me. I like to work on projects where I can explore impactful roles. It's always a delight to do challenging roles, where I can live vastly different lives in one lifetime!' For Sharma, creativity isn't confined to scripts and sets. A trained MMA enthusiast, a passionate musician, painter, and writer, her personal interests often bleed into her professional aspirations.
India.com
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- India.com
Nawazuddin Siddiqui's ‘Main Actor Nahin Hoon' To Be Screened At Iconic Lee Strasberg Theatre Institute!
New Delhi: Nawazuddin Siddiqui, known for his powerful performances, recently hogged attention for his movie 'Main Actor Nahin Hoon' (I Am Not an Actor). After making waves at the New York Indian Film Festival, the film will now be screened at the prestigious Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute — a place that has shaped generations of performers. 'Main Actor Nahin Hoon' revolves around a retired banker-turned-aspiring actor—played by Nawazuddin Siddiqui—who connects virtually with a professional actor for acting lessons. The film will be screened exclusively for current students and alumni of the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute on June 24. Following the screening, there will be an intimate conversation with Siddiqui and writer-director Aditya Kripalani. 'We are so excited about this. It is a film about acting, so for it to go to a prestigious establishment like this is a huge honour,' says Kripalani. Siddiqui, trained in method acting, will also conduct a special masterclass on his process and the various interpretations of the craft. 'As artistes, we feel bankers have it easy... I want to debunk these labels,' adds Kripalani, challenging narrow perceptions of professions and identity. Nawazuddin Siddiqui's recent film Costao received critical acclaim, further cementing his reputation as a powerhouse performer. The actor has several exciting projects lined up and is currently shooting for them. He will next be seen in Maddock Films' horror-comedy Thama, alongside Rashmika Mandanna and Ayushmann Khurrana. Fans eagerly await more of his legendary performances on screen.
Time of India
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Bollywood's 'untrained actors' crisis called out by Nawazuddin Siddiqui as he exposes harsh truths about Indian movie industry
In a rare and unfiltered conversation, actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui has shared a sharp critique of the inner workings of the Hindi film industry . Speaking to SCREEN for its Creators X Creators segment, Siddiqui addressed what he believes are serious problems plaguing Bollywood — from the absence of real friendships to the dominance of untrained actors over deserving talent. The actor, who recently turned 50, used the opportunity to reflect not just on his own journey but on the broader issues that, according to him, prevent the industry from being truly inclusive or professional. Superficial Relationships in the Industry Siddiqui asserted that genuine friendships are virtually non-existent in the film world. He reflected on how relationships in Bollywood are often transactional, stating, 'With time, it's one person today, and there will be someone else tomorrow. It's on the basis of need or benefits. The friendships that I also have in life are from old times, not from here.' He pointed out that insecurity among actors is a major factor contributing to this environment. According to him, 'That happens because there is an insecurity in every actor here; hence, there's no strong friendship or loyalty towards each other. The industry is not strong and united in that way. There is a club that stays separate; they aren't together.' Critique of Casting Practices In addition to discussing personal dynamics, Siddiqui voiced concern over the growing trend of casting untrained performers in leading roles. He criticized the industry for accommodating actors who, he believes, lack the skills required for the craft. 'An actor who isn't that reliable… they are made to act somehow, this happens only in our industry. Other industries only need professional and trained actors, they don't allow them to come in otherwise.' He argued that the audience eventually becomes accustomed to mediocre performances, creating a false sense of growth in such actors. Comparing their early and later work can lead to the mistaken belief that they've improved, when in reality, the standard has been lowered. 'If you would have taken a deserving actor in those 15 films, then the actor would have been something else. Deserving and great actors are put in supporting roles, this makes me angry,' he said. Ongoing Projects While continuing to challenge Bollywood norms, Siddiqui remains active on the professional front. He was recently seen in Costao, a Zee5 release based on the real-life story of a 1990s Goa customs officer who tackled gold smuggling. He is also currently working on Raat Akeli Hai 2 and Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups, further cementing his presence in content-driven cinema.
