Nawazuddin Siddiqui Shines at Cinevesture International Film Festival
A Star Among Us
Nawazuddin Siddiqui, a celebrated actor, is undeniably in the spotlight. Once at risk of fading into the crowd, he now stands out, not only for his remarkable filmography, which includes eight films showcased at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, but also for his presence at the Cinevesture International Film Festival, where he was greeted by enthusiastic fans and a packed audience.
During the four-day festival, he took the opportunity to discuss Payal Kapadia’s film, All We Imagine As Light, praising it for elevating India's image. While he refrained from discussing his own films like Gangs of Wasseypur and The Lunchbox, he expressed a preference for sharing anecdotes from his life rather than indulging in self-praise.
Reflecting on His Journey
In conversations led by Siddharth Hussain from Bhanushali Studios, Siddiqui reminisced about his early days when he played minor roles, often facing ridicule from his family in Budhana, UP. It wasn't until he starred as Faizal Khan in Anurag Kashyap’s acclaimed Gangs of Wasseypur 2 that he received a hero's welcome back home.
His path to success was fraught with challenges, including cooking and cleaning while sharing a cramped living space with fellow aspiring actors. Now, with a busy schedule ahead, including roles in sequels like Honey Trehan’s Raat Akeli Hai, he selects projects based on the depth of his character and the script's quality.
Embracing Challenges
Siddiqui emphasizes that personal beliefs do not influence his role choices, as evidenced by his portrayal of both Balasaheb Thackeray and Saadat Hasan Manto. He believes that the essence of acting lies in being challenged, stating, “What an actor desires more than anything is to be challenged.”
At the festival, he captivated audiences with excerpts from Girish Karnad’s Tughlaq. He recalled memorizing lines for Kabir Khan’s New York in mere minutes, highlighting the importance of subtext in dialogue-driven narratives. He refrains from categorizing films, asserting that the definition of good cinema is subjective.
Industry Insights
When asked about the industry's evolution, especially in light of Anurag Kashyap's recent critiques of streaming platforms, Siddiqui remarked, “Change is the only constant.” He noted that while many actors have adapted to new norms, true trailblazers remain few.
Having navigated the debate over conventional versus unconventional looks, his time at NSD helped him embrace his identity. He quipped, “I don’t really understand how I am unconventional, for millions look like me.” Regardless of labels, he has redefined acting conventions, establishing himself as a leading figure in the industry.
Black Warrant's Success
Black Warrant, which premiered on Netflix two and a half months ago, continues to rank among the top 10 shows. Lead actors Zahan Kapoor and Rahul Bhat, along with showrunner Vikramaditya Motwane and Sameer Nair, CEO of Applause Entertainment, showcased their strong chemistry during the festival.
Bhat, portraying DSP Tomar, noted that the era of actors competing against each other is over, emphasizing the importance of collaboration. He explained that even when playing a villain, empathy is crucial, as one must represent the character authentically.
Indie Film Discussions
The third day of CIFF featured a session with indie actors Shweta Tripathi, Shriya Pilgaonkar, and Shashank Arora, discussing the essence of indie filmmaking. Shweta described an indie actor as someone unafraid of challenges and experimentation, while Shriya emphasized the importance of a collaborative environment.
Shashank noted that regardless of the film's nature, his role remains unchanged. Shweta, known for her work in films like Masaan and Mirzapur, expressed her enthusiasm for collaborating with debut directors, finding their passion invigorating. Shriya and Shashank also shared insights into their upcoming projects, highlighting the unique experiences indie films offer.