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8 iconic Nawazuddin Siddiqui characters that redefined acting

Nawazuddin Siddiqui continues to redefine Indian cinema with his unmatched range and realism. From gritty thrillers to soulful stories, his performances echo the brilliance of legends like Irrfan Khan.

July 14, 2025 / 17:16 IST
As the intimidating Shiv Gajra, Nawazuddin Siddiqui made a lasting impression. Once again demonstrating that Nawaz can effortlessly stand out in a commercial blockbuster, he transformed a typical villain into something unforgettable with his chilling laughter, unhinged expressions, and magnetic screen presence.
1/8
As the intimidating Shiv Gajra, Nawazuddin Siddiqui made a lasting impression. Once again demonstrating that Nawaz can effortlessly stand out in a commercial blockbuster, he transformed a typical villain into something unforgettable with his chilling laughter, unhinged expressions, and magnetic screen presence.
In Gangs of Wasseypur, Nawazuddin Siddiqui played the iconic role of Faizal Khan. He gave one of the most powerful performances in Indian crime films, turning a quiet, withdrawn son into a heartless gangster with unparalleled nuance and strength.
2/8
In Gangs of Wasseypur, Nawazuddin Siddiqui played the iconic role of Faizal Khan. He gave one of the most powerful performances in Indian crime films, turning a quiet, withdrawn son into a heartless gangster with unparalleled nuance and strength.
Nawazuddin Siddiqui's audacious and revolutionary dual role in Haddi, particularly as a transgender character, astounded viewers. His unrivalled versatility and status as a genuine acting powerhouse were solidified by his nuanced portrayal, emotional depth, and fearless dedication to the role.
3/8
Nawazuddin Siddiqui's audacious and revolutionary dual role in Haddi, particularly as a transgender character, astounded viewers. His unrivalled versatility and status as a genuine acting powerhouse were solidified by his nuanced portrayal, emotional depth, and fearless dedication to the role.
Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s role as Ganesh Gaitonde in Sacred Games became a phenomenon. With his intense dialogues, layered emotions, and magnetic screen presence, he made Gaitonde an unforgettable character. His performance turned the gangster into a fan favorite and elevated the entire series.
4/8
Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s role as Ganesh Gaitonde in Sacred Games became a phenomenon. With his intense dialogues, layered emotions, and magnetic screen presence, he made Gaitonde an unforgettable character. His performance turned the gangster into a fan favorite and elevated the entire series.
Nawazuddin Siddiqui portrayed ACP Majmudar in Raees, a shrewd and humorous police officer engaged in a wits-to-wits match with Shah Rukh Khan's character. Nawaz made the role genuinely unforgettable with his incisive dialogue delivery and effortless charisma. He also added humour and intensity.
5/8
Nawazuddin Siddiqui portrayed ACP Majmudar in Raees, a shrewd and humorous police officer engaged in a wits-to-wits match with Shah Rukh Khan's character. Nawaz made the role genuinely unforgettable with his incisive dialogue delivery and effortless charisma. He also added humour and intensity.
As author Saadat Hasan Manto, Nawazuddin Siddiqui gave a performance that was hauntingly powerful. It is one of his most celebrated and poignant portrayals, capturing the turmoil, genius, and rebellious spirit of the literary icon with quiet intensity and unadulterated emotion.
6/8
As author Saadat Hasan Manto, Nawazuddin Siddiqui gave a performance that was hauntingly powerful. It is one of his most celebrated and poignant portrayals, capturing the turmoil, genius, and rebellious spirit of the literary icon with quiet intensity and unadulterated emotion.
Rafi, played by Nawazuddin Siddiqui, was a quiet street photographer with a strong emotional centre. His understated performance, which was full of vulnerability and silent longing, gave the movie a subtle beauty. Rafi's simplicity and depth were beautifully portrayed by Nawaz, giving the character a realistic and poignant feel.
7/8
Rafi, played by Nawazuddin Siddiqui, was a quiet street photographer with a strong emotional centre. His understated performance, which was full of vulnerability and silent longing, gave the movie a subtle beauty. Rafi's simplicity and depth were beautifully portrayed by Nawaz, giving the character a realistic and poignant feel.
In The Lunchbox, Nawazuddin Siddiqui shone as the affable and talkative Shaikh. His effortless charm and subtle humor brought warmth to the otherwise melancholic narrative. Nawaz made the character endearing with his natural screen presence. Despite being a supporting role, he left a lasting impact. It’s a performance that proved even in silence, Nawaz can speak volumes.
8/8
In The Lunchbox, Nawazuddin Siddiqui shone as the affable and talkative Shaikh. His effortless charm and subtle humor brought warmth to the otherwise melancholic narrative. Nawaz made the character endearing with his natural screen presence. Despite being a supporting role, he left a lasting impact. It’s a performance that proved even in silence, Nawaz can speak volumes.
Entertainment desk
first published: Jul 14, 2025 05:16 pm

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