In the illustrious tapestry of Indian cinema, actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui has emerged as a luminary, his journey from modest beginnings to Bollywood stardom symbolising the triumph of grit and talent. His stellar performances have not only earned him acclaim within India but have also garnered admiration across borders, notably in Pakistan.
A defining moment in Siddiqui’s cross-border resonance came with his portrayal of the endearing reporter Chand Nawab in the film Bajrangi Bhaijaan, in which he starred alongside Hindi cinema superstar, Salman Khan. The character’s idiosyncrasies and inherent innocence resonated not only with Indian audiences but found a welcoming embrace in Pakistan as well. In a recent interview with DW Urdu, Siddiqui candidly shared insights into his journey, the genesis of the iconic character, and his genuine appreciation for the real-life Chand Nawab.
Unveiling the meticulous process behind his craft, Siddiqui disclosed that he found inspiration in the actual Chand Nawab while preparing for the pivotal scene in the film. Demonstrating a commitment to authenticity, the actor diligently rehearsed the lines a remarkable 100 times, ensuring that he captured the essence of the character with unwavering precision. Siddiqui also had the privilege of interacting with Chand Nawab during the shoot, where he expressed admiration for the reporter’s innocence, a quality seamlessly translated into his on-screen portrayal.
“I had to replicate the entire scene,” recalled the coveted actor. “The railway station at which we were shooting in Rajasthan, we had it only for one day, because we didn’t have a lot of work there. You won’t believe this, but a day before the shoot, I must have repeated the scene about a hundred times. It was quite a technical scene because the train is moving and while it’s moving, I have to replicate and finish Chand Nawab’s character.”
The actor highlighted how his timing had to work in tandem with the timing of others involved in the shot. “Fortunately, I had become so used to it that had you woken me up in the morning to recite the speech, I would have recited it in a single breath,” shared the star. Siddiqui’s relentless rehearsal led to the scene being wrapped up in the first go, leading to a much-needed day off for the cast and crew.
In a heartfelt message, Siddiqui also extended his appreciation for the genuine Chand Nawab, recognising the profound impact the reporter had not only on his craft but also on the broader audience. Siddiqui’s ability to seamlessly merge fiction with reality speaks volumes about his dedication to authenticity in the cinematic realm. “We used to speak on the phone back then and he seemed very happy, as were we,” recalled Siddiqui with a smile. “There was a lot of innocence in his character,” added Siddiqui. He furthered, “I hope he’s continuing to do great work. And, in the middle, keep making such mistakes so that we can be entertained.”
Beyond his personal journey, the actor delved into the widespread popularity of Pakistani dramas in India. He underscored the exceptional writing in these dramas as a pivotal factor contributing to their resounding success across borders. The cross-cultural appeal of Pakistani dramas has transcended geographical boundaries, fostering a shared appreciation for compelling storytelling and artistic expression. “Pakistani dramas are watched quite a lot in India,” shared Siddiqui. “The writing is exceptional and the actors are amazing,” he added.
Siddiqui’s appreciation serves as a compelling testament to the transcendent power of cinema in fostering cross-border connections and celebrating shared cultural experiences. His evolution from an aspiring actor to a celebrated star, coupled with his genuine admiration for talents across borders, reinforces the notion that art knows no boundaries and possesses the transformative ability to unite people through shared emotions and storytelling.
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