19-05-2025
Nawazuddin Siddiqui Says Untrained Actors Are 'Made To Act ' In Bollywood: 'Happens Only Here'
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Nawazuddin Siddiqui says that his true friends are from his struggling days, not the film industry.
Actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui is not one to mince words, and in his latest conversation with SCREEN for its Creators X Creators segment, the critically acclaimed performer opened up about the undercurrents of the Hindi film industry — from superficial friendships to the sidelining of truly talented actors.
As he turned 50, Nawazuddin reflected on his long journey in cinema, revealing that his real friends are not from the industry, but from the days when he was still struggling to find a foothold in films. '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 added.
Revealing that there are no genuine relationships in the industry, the actor said, '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."
Nawazuddin, known for his powerful performances, also spoke about how untrained and inexperienced actors are often given lead roles in Bollywood. He feels this hurts the quality of acting in films. '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 said.
Nawazuddin Siddiqui was recently seen in Costao, a crime drama based on the real-life story of Costao Fernandes, a Goa customs officer from the 1990s who gave up everything to stop a major gold smuggling racket. Up next, Nawazuddin is reportedly busy shooting for the sequel to Raat Akeli Hai in Lucknow. He will return as Inspector Jatil Yadav in this much-awaited follow-up to the hit thriller.
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