Latest news with #NawazuddinSiddiqui
Pink Villa
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Take a tour inside Nawazuddin Siddiqui's glamorous Bungalow in Mumbai
Nawazuddin Siddiqui is one of Bollywood's most critically acclaimed actors and a household name. The versatile actor has successfully touched the hearts of both the public and critics with the poignant and compelling characters he portrays. The sky's the limit for his progressing career. However, it was not always the case. The Manto actor had a rather humble upbringing. His residence in Mumbai stands as a stark reminder that success comes to those who remain persistent. Nawaz is humble and true to his craft, a quality that is brightly reflected in every conversation he holds. Let's take a look at his house and how Nawaz has embraced minimalism in decorating his abode. Nawazuddin Siddiqui's Dream Nest Is a Fusion Between Modern And Vintage Architecture Staying true to its name, the house gives glimpses of the Nawabi architecture with its sun-kissed patio, hardwood stairs, white marble exterior, and opulent motif. Nawaz wanted a space with a cozy and homely vibe where he could take a step back and relax. The entrance features a wooden French door. The hall is adorned with a wooden billiard table and posters of famous plays by Moliere and Shakespeare at every corner. The inspiration behind this is the corridor of the National School of Drama. There is also a tiny bar in one corner with a sitting area for guests. Nawaz mentions that he loves to experiment with different aesthetics and colors. The cosmopolitan ambiance of the house aligns with the actor's deep understanding of interior planning. One of the main attractions of his home is the hall upstairs, where he relaxes and watches films. He decided to install big windows so he wouldn't feel suffocated. The room leads you to a small balcony, which is surrounded by Jali carving white marble railings. Lush greenery graces the area and fills it with serenity. He then escorts us to his makeup room, whose big attraction is a gigantic Hollywood-style wooden vanity mirror. Next, Nawaz invites the viewers to his terrace, which serves as an escape from the noise of the city. He spends most of his evenings there, chatting with his peers. According to the actor, his bedroom is the smallest room in the house. He jokingly mentions that he wants to stay true to his roots. With minimal furnishing, the room is stylishly decorated with a poster and a few planters. The next visit is to another hall, which Nawaz calls the busiest corner of the house. He has decorated the walls with posters of some of the most notable plays and playwrights. Nawaz lovingly christened his residence 'Nawab' as a homage to his father, who had a significant impact on his life. Not just a structure of bricks and stones, Nawaz wanted a memoir of his childhood home in Uttar Pradesh. He wanted a space where time stood still. That is why he curated the house in a way that takes him on a stroll down memory lane. Nawab, nestled in Mumbai's Versova, is where luxury meets sophistication. He has embellished every corner of the house with ornaments that hold deep value to him.
India.com
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- India.com
Meet actor, who worked with all three Khans, became acting coach of Ranveer Singh for…
In the glamorous world of Bollywood, few stories can become an inspiration for an actor's journey. There can be various examples from the industry, including cinema stalwarts like Manoj Bajpai, Irrfan Khan, Kay Kay Menon, Pankaj Tripathi, Rajkummar Rao, Sanjay Mishra, and many others who came from a non-family background, but because of their impeccable acting skills, they created a personal space for themselves. However, there is this one actor who started his journey as a watchman, but his hard work and passion for cinema proved that true talent eventually finds its place under the spotlight. We are sure that you cinema enthusiasts would have guessed who this person is. If not, let us unravel the name for you. The Exceptionally Talented Actor Is… Here we are talking about none other than Nawazuddin Siddiqui, who is considered one of the most respected actors in Indian cinema, known for his powerful performances and versatility. When Nawazuddin moved to Delhi, he worked as a chemist after receiving his degree. The actor took various odd jobs, he also worked as a watchman at a toy factory and began to watch plays. He then became interested in theatre and participated in Sakshi Theatre Group, where he collaborated with several actors, including Saurabh Shukla, Piyush Mishra, and Manoj Bajpayee. He gained recognition with films like Gangs of Wasseypur, The Lunchbox, Badlapur, Sacred Games, and Manto. His choice of unique and meaningful roles has broken stereotypes and brought a new wave of storytelling to mainstream cinema. Later, the actor's talent reached its initial height as he started featuring with big names of Bollywood that includes Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, Akshay Kumar, and many others. When Nawazuddin Became Acting Coach For…. During the start of his career, Nawazuddin also used to give acting classes to new-age upcoming actors, which helped them land big roles, including Bollywood star Ranveer Singh. In a recent conversation with Pinkvilla, Nawazuddin shared his experience about training Ranveer for his debut film Band Baaja Baaraat. He said, 'I had trained Ranveer Singh for Band Baaja Baaraat, in a way I had become a workshop for him, all I had to say was that whoever wants to become an actor and whoever is about to be launched, I am standing here for him, but I understand that you have not come to learn acting. I taught Ranveer to use his talent, because then a person has to do everything himself. Gradually, his passion for learning acting increased.' More About Nawazuddin Siddiqui The actor recently featured in crime drama Costao, inspired by the life of bold customs officer Tony da Costa Fernandes who fought against a gold smuggling racket in the 1990s. The film has been appreciated by audiences and critics for its power-packed storytelling and remarkable performances. The film is helmed by Sejal Shah, which also stars Priya Bapat, Kishore Kumar, Gagan Dev Riar, and Hussain Dalal. It is currently available for streaming on Zee5.
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.
Pink Villa
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Is working with Nawazuddin Siddiqui a ‘big problem' for Costao director Sejal Shah? ‘He is such a…'
Director Sejal Shah shared that from the very beginning, she believed only an actor of Nawazuddin Siddiqui's caliber could do justice to the intricate character of former customs officer Costao Fernandes in her debut film Costao. In a recent conversation, the filmmaker also opened up about one of the biggest problem she faced while working with Nawazuddin on the project and said, "He is such a great actor and he spoils you so much that you want to keep working with him all the time." In the ZEE5 original Costao, Nawazuddin Siddiqui portrays a brave customs officer, Costao Fernandes, who challenges gold smugglers and systemic corruption while dealing with personal struggles. Director Sejal Shah reportedly shared that she had always envisioned Nawazuddin in the lead role, believing he was the only actor capable of portraying such a layered character. Having already collaborated with him on Serious Men, she approached him early on, and once the script was finalized, they managed to align schedules to begin filming. In a recent interview with PTI, filmmaker Sejal Shah expressed deep admiration for Nawazuddin Siddiqui, referring to him as her "go-to actor" and praising his dedication to the craft. She reportedly said that working with Nawazuddin can be both a blessing and a challenge, not because of any difficulty, but because he sets such a high standard that one is left wanting to collaborate with him repeatedly. Shah noted that Siddiqui not only fully immerses himself in a role but also brings the script to life in ways that exceed expectations. She added that his willingness to completely surrender to the director's vision, despite his vast experience, is a rare and admirable quality. In her interview, director Shah reportedly shared that as a first-time filmmaker, working with Nawazuddin Siddiqui was both reassuring and collaborative. She mentioned that there were several moments during the shoot when they would discuss scenes in depth, and Nawazuddin, while offering his insights, would ultimately remind her that the final decision was hers. She praised his professionalism and deep commitment to his craft. Shah also revealed that securing the real-life inspiration for the film, Costao Fernandes, for the biopic took nearly a year. According to her, convincing him wasn't easy, as he had been approached by many since 1990. She described Fernandes as an incredibly honest individual who insisted on portraying the truth, even the difficult parts. He reportedly never asked the team to sugarcoat the portrayal of his family dynamics or avoid the fallout that followed a critical incident in his life.
