Nawazuddin Siddiqui Shares Hilarious Holi Memory from NSD Days
Nawazuddin Remembers Holi Celebrations at NSD
Bollywood actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui, who honed his acting skills at the National School of Drama (NSD), is now recognized as one of the finest talents in the industry. Recently, he recounted some amusing and memorable experiences from his time at NSD, particularly a Holi incident where he mistakenly believed he was the immortal warrior Ashwatthama after consuming bhang.
The Bhang Incident
In a conversation with Radio Nasha, Nawazuddin shared, "At NSD, there’s a tradition where experts prepare thandai for Holi. The first time I tried it, they kept offering it to me, and I kept drinking. Initially, I felt nothing. About an hour later, they encouraged me to drink again, and that’s when I transformed into Ashwatthama. I felt like I had a bow and arrow, climbing trees and jumping off walls, acting continuously for nearly five hours."
The Career Fear
However, the experience didn’t end there. He continued, "After five hours, when I finally climbed down from the tree, someone had formed a circle around me, warning that if I stepped out, my career would be over. I stood there for three hours, completely convinced. Whenever someone tried to pull me away, I would ask, ‘Do you want to ruin my career?’ It was quite impactful."
Expert Opinions on Bhang
Experts explain that bhang, derived from cannabis leaves, can have delayed but intense effects when consumed in drinks like thandai. It can alter cognitive functions, perception of time, and imagination. Overconsumption may lead to confusion or bizarre beliefs. Public health expert Dr. Jagdish Hiremath noted that it affects normal communication between neurons in the brain, enhancing sensations, altering time perception, and causing emotional instability. Excessive intake can lead to anxiety, panic, or disconnection from reality.
Praise from Swanand Kirkire
Previously, Nawazuddin's NSD batchmate Swanand Kirkire praised him in an interview, stating, "Nawazuddin was one of the most remarkable actors in our batch. His journey proves that talent eventually gets recognized. I have witnessed times when actors struggled with small roles to make ends meet."