Long before he became one of Indian cinema’s most respected actors, Nawazuddin Siddiqui spent years struggling to find his footing in the industry. Known today for his unforgettable performances in films and web series, Nawazuddin’s path to fame was anything but straightforward. In fact, few people know that he once briefly took on the role of an acting coach—and one of his students was none other than Ranveer Singh.
While speaking in an interview, Nawazuddin confirmed that he had trained Ranveer Singh for his debut film Band Baaja Baaraat, a movie that went on to be both critically and commercially successful. “Kuch waqt ke liye kiya tha,” he said, acknowledging that his involvement, though short-lived, did happen.
Back in 2010, when Ranveer was preparing for his debut, Nawazuddin was far from the widely recognized figure he is today. Reflecting on that period, he admitted he never expected what was coming next. Just two years later, Gangs of Wasseypur would bring him the widespread acclaim that had eluded him for years. Looking back, he said, “Aesa kabhi nahi socha tha. Mein toh ek tarah se workshop lene wala banda hogaya tha ki koi kisiko actor banna hai, launch hona hai, toh mein hu. Workshop karte the hum log sab actors ke saath.”
Despite having played a part in Ranveer’s early training, Nawazuddin was quick to dismiss the idea of taking credit for the actor’s eventual success. For him, acting is a deeply personal journey that cannot be taught in the traditional sense. “Acting kabhi sikhayi nahi ja sakti. Koi pudiya nahi hai. Aap ko khud ko find out karna padta hai. Uske andar khud ki kabiliyat thi. Haan aap ko raasta dikhaya ja sakta hai ki iss taraf se bhi jaya ja sakta hai. Lekin jana toh aap ko hi padega na,” he explained, emphasizing that the real work must come from within the actor.
Today, Nawazuddin Singh continues to push boundaries with his roles. He was recently seen in Costao, a gritty crime drama directed by Sejal Shah and based on the life of fearless 1990s customs officer Costao Fernandes. The film delves into the murky world of smuggling operations and features a strong ensemble cast including Priya Bapat, Kishore Kumar Huli, Gagan Dev Riar, and Hussain Dalal. Costao premiered on Zee5 on May 1.
From guiding emerging actors in workshops to commanding screens with powerful roles, Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s journey is a testament to perseverance, talent, and humility.
