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From Gangs of Wasseypur 2 to Manto: 7 Films that prove Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s incredible acting range

Nawazuddin Siddiqui has built a remarkable career through powerful performances in films like Gangs of Wasseypur 2, Badlapur, and Manto, proving his unmatched range, depth, and ability to transform into unforgettable characters.

Vaishnavi Gavankar | March 12, 2026 / 21:52 IST
1/7
Gangs of Wasseypur 2 - Gangs of Wasseypur 2 became the turning point in Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s career. Playing Faizal Khan, he transformed from a quiet, underestimated man into a ruthless gangster. His effortless dialogue delivery, dark humour, and intense screen presence made the character iconic and firmly established Nawazuddin as a powerful leading actor in Indian cinema.
Gangs of Wasseypur 2 - Gangs of Wasseypur 2 became the turning point in Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s career. Playing Faizal Khan, he transformed from a quiet, underestimated man into a ruthless gangster. His effortless dialogue delivery, dark humour, and intense screen presence made the character iconic and firmly established Nawazuddin as a powerful leading actor in Indian cinema.
2/7
Badlapur - In Badlapur, Nawazuddin Siddiqui portrayed Liak, a small-time criminal with many shades to his personality. Instead of playing a straightforward villain, Nawaz added dark humour, vulnerability, and unpredictability. His layered performance turned Liak into one of the film’s most memorable characters, proving his ability to elevate morally complex roles.
Badlapur - In Badlapur, Nawazuddin Siddiqui portrayed Liak, a small-time criminal with many shades to his personality. Instead of playing a straightforward villain, Nawaz added dark humour, vulnerability, and unpredictability. His layered performance turned Liak into one of the film’s most memorable characters, proving his ability to elevate morally complex roles.
3/7
The Lunchbox - In The Lunchbox, Nawazuddin Siddiqui played Shaikh, a cheerful and slightly intrusive office worker who befriends Irrfan Khan’s reserved character. His lively energy balanced the film’s quiet emotional tone. Nawaz brought warmth, humour, and innocence to the role, making Shaikh both amusing and deeply likeable throughout the film.
The Lunchbox - In The Lunchbox, Nawazuddin Siddiqui played Shaikh, a cheerful and slightly intrusive office worker who befriends Irrfan Khan’s reserved character. His lively energy balanced the film’s quiet emotional tone. Nawaz brought warmth, humour, and innocence to the role, making Shaikh both amusing and deeply likeable throughout the film.
4/7
Manjhi: The Mountain Man - Nawazuddin Siddiqui delivered a deeply moving performance as Dashrath Manjhi in Manjhi: The Mountain Man. The film tells the inspiring true story of a man who carved a road through a mountain out of love for his late wife. Nawaz captured Manjhi’s determination, grief, and resilience with remarkable emotional depth.
Manjhi: The Mountain Man - Nawazuddin Siddiqui delivered a deeply moving performance as Dashrath Manjhi in Manjhi: The Mountain Man. The film tells the inspiring true story of a man who carved a road through a mountain out of love for his late wife. Nawaz captured Manjhi’s determination, grief, and resilience with remarkable emotional depth.
5/7
Bajrangi Bhaijaan - In the blockbuster Bajrangi Bhaijaan, Nawazuddin Siddiqui played Pakistani journalist Chand Nawab. His comic timing and energetic performance made the character unforgettable. Even in a star-driven film led by Salman Khan, Nawaz managed to stand out, bringing humour, charm, and heart to a role audiences still remember fondly.
Bajrangi Bhaijaan - In the blockbuster Bajrangi Bhaijaan, Nawazuddin Siddiqui played Pakistani journalist Chand Nawab. His comic timing and energetic performance made the character unforgettable. Even in a star-driven film led by Salman Khan, Nawaz managed to stand out, bringing humour, charm, and heart to a role audiences still remember fondly.
6/7
Raman Raghav 2.0 – Ramanna While stepping into the mind of a remorseless serial killer, the actor surprised the audience with his haunting role of Ramanna. His performance was inspired by a real-life psychopath, was freighted and deeply impactful and a true testament to his range as an actor.
Raman Raghav 2.0 - In Raman Raghav 2.0, Nawazuddin Siddiqui delivered one of the most chilling performances of his career. Playing a disturbed serial killer roaming Mumbai’s streets, he portrayed the character with eerie calmness and unpredictability. His intense and unsettling performance created a haunting atmosphere that stayed with audiences long after the film ended.
7/7
Manto - In Manto, Nawazuddin Siddiqui portrayed legendary writer Saadat Hasan Manto with striking authenticity. The role demanded emotional complexity, intellect, and vulnerability. Nawaz captured the writer’s rebellious spirit, pain, and brilliance, delivering a thoughtful performance that honoured Manto’s legacy and showcased his own extraordinary acting depth.
Manto - In Manto, Nawazuddin Siddiqui portrayed legendary writer Saadat Hasan Manto with striking authenticity. The role demanded emotional complexity, intellect, and vulnerability. Nawaz captured the writer’s rebellious spirit, pain, and brilliance, delivering a thoughtful performance that honoured Manto’s legacy and showcased his own extraordinary acting depth.

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