Nawazuddin Siddiqui on trial by media & Telugu film debut in Venkatesh’s 75th movie

Nawazuddin Siddiqui plays the villain in debut Telugu film, the Venkatesh-starrer Saindhav.

Acclaimed actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui is gearing up for his Telugu film debut with the much-anticipated release of Saindhav, starring Venkatesh Daggubati in the lead role. Directed by Sailesh Kolanu, known for the hit film Hit, Saindhav, which releases in theatres on January 13, promises to be an intriguing venture into the Telugu film industry for Nawazuddin. In a conversation, Siddiqui shared his insights about his entry into Telugu cinema, collaborating with Venkatesh, and more. Edited excerpts:

How was it working for Saindhav, your debut Telugu film?

It has been a great experience for me. In fact, this is the best story for my debut. Working with Venkatesh garu has been a really great experience. Sailesh Kolanu, the director of the film has delivered big hits before and he made Hit (2022) in Hindi as well. He has written the script really well. On the whole, the experience of working in a Telugu film has been great.

Have you watched Telugu films before? Who are you interested in working with?

I have watched a couple of Venkatesh ji's films. And also the Hindi films he was part of. Recently too, I have watched the films that made big noise across the country. The language barrier exists but I manage with the subtitles. I would like to work with all the directors who have good stories to tell.

Your performances have garnered nationwide attention. Why did it take so long for you to work in a Telugu film?

Every actor waits for the right story, and I am no exception. I patiently waited for a compelling script, and it finally materialised with Saindhav. The narrative is captivating and unique, making it an ideal project for my debut in Telugu cinema. Working with Venkatesh has been a dream, and it's a pleasure to be a part of this film.

You've taken on fewer negative roles lately. What drew you to play a villain in Saindhav?

I don't categorise roles as hero or villain; the character's depth and uniqueness matter to me. Director Sailesh has crafted a distinctive role in Saindhav that provides ample opportunities for performance. Negative roles often offer more complexity, and this character intrigued me.

Saindhav is Venkatesh's 75th film. How did you feel about your role in such a significant milestone for him?

Working with Venkatesh was an enriching experience. In Saindhav, Venkatesh explores a different facet of his acting prowess, presenting audiences with a new avatar. Being part of his 75th film is truly an honour, and I am excited for viewers to witness this unique collaboration.

From the Nawazuddin Siddiqui who started his career in 1999 to today's Nawaz who is super busy with his hands full....how has life been?

Life is great and work wise I am doing absolutely well now. Initially, in the beginning of my career, I was a theatre artist and wanted work. That was the stage when I realised I needed to go to Mumbai. That is how I started being part of films no matter how small they were. People have recognised my efforts and work. The difference now is that more work is coming my way and I have proved myself to be worthy of that.

Sacred Games brought in a greater exposure for you. Is it true that you initially rejected it?

Yes. I rejected Sacred Games. More than twice or thrice. I never really knew what Netflix was back then. That is when Anurag Kashyap came to me and told me why it is important to be part of the web-series. Only when he told me that the series will be streaming in 190 countries, I said yes. Because the exposure was important at that time. But that was such a big hit. Later, I realised why it was important to do that.

How was working with Rajinikanth in Petta (2019)? 

Oh, it was lovely. It was great to first see him and then working alongside him. The aura he has on the screen cannot be matched with anything else. I have learnt a lot from him.

You have worked hard for so long, but did you ever feel bad that you couldn't become a mainstream hero?

See, people like me, with these features, cannot become a mainstream hero and I knew that long before. People in villages or the rural might accept me as a hero but not the ones in the urban areas. Because it has been stereotyped that this is how heroes have to look or the lead roles have to. So, only a few directors who believe that working with people like me would bring value to them come forward to work with us. But thankfully times have changed and things also did, I believe.

A lot has happened in your personal life last year. Do you think the media is way too involved in the private lives of celebrities?

Yes. Of course. The image that the media gives of the celeb is what reaches to the people. So, people know only one side of my story. They will never get to know what actually happened. They will get to know it, some day. But yes, media is involving themselves very much in the personal and private lives of celebrities and not giving them enough space. So, this has to stop. People cannot judge me based on what they see from someone else's eyes.