Nawazuddin Siddiqui has never been one to sugarcoat his words, and as he turns 50 the acclaimed actor has offered a searingly honest take on the inner workings of Bollywood. In an interview, the actor shared personal reflections that echo the frustration and clarity that come with years of navigating an industry driven as much by appearances as by art.
Reflecting on his journey, Nawazuddin revealed that his closest bonds are not with people from the film world but with friends from his struggling days. “With time, it’s one person today and there will be someone else tomorrow. It’s on the basis of need or benefits. The friendships that I also have in life are from old times, not from here,” he said, highlighting the transactional nature of relationships in the industry.
He went on to comment on the deep-seated insecurity that, in his view, prevents real connections from forming among actors. “That happens because there is insecurity in every actor here, hence there’s no strong friendship or loyalty towards each other. The industry is not strong and united in that way. There is a club that stays separate, they aren’t together,” Nawazuddin observed, pulling back the curtain on the sense of isolation that many insiders experience.
Known for his gritty, powerful performances, the actor also criticized the casting trends that favor appearance and popularity over skill. “An actor who isn’t that reliable… they are made to act somehow, this happens only in our industry. Other industries only need professional and trained actors, they don’t allow them to come in otherwise,” he said, voicing concern about the long-term impact on artistic integrity.
As Nawazuddin Siddiqui enters a new chapter in life, his words serve as both a critique and a challenge to an industry that often overlooks authenticity in its race for glamour.
