Nawazuddin Siddiqui: Versatile Actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui is frequently praised as a director's actor because he immerses himself so fully in his parts that you only notice the character and forget the star. He has established himself as a versatile actor over his decade-long career. Although viewers cherish his pivotal roles in Gangs of Wasseypur, Sacred Games, and Badlapur, he also gave a number of equally captivating performances that are frequently overlooked. Take a look at his powerful performances.
2/9
Kahaani (2012) A thriller movie from Sujoy Ghosh with Vidya Balan being the main character in an exciting chase, but a powerful performance by Nawazuddin Siddiqui. The actor played the role of A. Khan who was an intelligence Bureau officer. The actor’s role was not a typical hero, he was sometime scary, he was rude, impatient which made his character real. Nawazuddin’s intense energy worked well against Vidya Balan’s calm energy making the movie’s ending strong.
3/9
Talaash: The Answer Lies Within (2012) Nawazuddin played the role as Tehmur Langda, a disabled hustler from Mumbai in the Reema Kagti’s drama film. Nawazuddin’s acting in the movie was unforgettable despite having a star – studded cast, his hobble symbolizing a life of struggle in a city of illusions. The actor gave the character a dignified look making it the movie’s emotional heart.
4/9
Manjhi – The Mountain Man (2015) The movie is about a labourer who carved the path to a mountain. The actor single handedly carried the biopic of Dashrath Manjhi. Nawazuddin’s role required both physical toughness and deep emotional truth which was more than just inspiring. The actor turned his role into a powerful and moving story about human strength.
Manto (2018) Under Nandita Das’s direction, Nawazuddin completely `expressed the role capturing not a saint but a flawed genius at war with society’s hypocrisy. The way he balanced fragility with fiery intensity made the performance deeply layered.
6/9
Thackeray (2019) Portraying a political giant like Balasaheb Thackeray is an unsettling task, inviting intense scrutiny and debate. Yet, Nawazuddin Siddiqui mastered the role, perfectly capturing Thackeray's peculiarity, powerful voice, and gaze without making it a simple imitation. He moving beyond mimicry to embody the compelling charisma and polarizing presence that defined the leader. Despite the film's limitations, Nawaz's performance stood as a powerful testament to his exceptional ability to bring both real and fictional characters to life.
7/9
Gangs of Wasseypur A highly appreciated two-part movies with Nawazuddin playing the role as Faizal Khan and was also called as the powerhouse performed. The character he played was a drug addict, aimless young man which turn into a ruthless and mafia boss, is a masterclass in character progression. His dialogue “Baap ka, dada ka, bhai ka..." has become iconic.
8/9
Black Friday Nawazuddin's brief but memorable performance as an informer in this gritty docudrama is a testimony to his raw talent. His interrogation scene is a masterclass in realistic acting and marked him as a talent to watch.
The Lunchbox With a supporting role in the film Nawazuddin’s portrayal as Sheikh, a talkative office colleague was a delight. Adding warmth and relief to the film and effortlessly balancing the emotional tone with his lovable presence.
![Gangs of Wasseypur A highly appreciated two-part movies with Nawazuddin playing the role as Faizal Khan and was also called as the powerhouse performed. The character he played was a drug addict, aimless young man which turn into a ruthless and mafia boss, is a masterclass in character progression. His dialogue “Baap ka, dada ka, bhai ka..." has become iconic.](https://images.moneycontrol.com/static-mcnews/2025/08/20250830085516_nawazuddin-gangs.jpg "Gangs of Wasseypur A highly appreciated two-part movies with Nawazuddin playing the role as Faizal Khan and was also called as the powerhouse performed. The character he played was a drug addict, aimless young man which turn into a ruthless and mafia boss, is a masterclass in character progression. His dialogue “Baap ka, dada ka, bhai ka..." has become iconic.")
