Imagine being told by your own father to stop visiting home because of the roles you play on screen. That’s exactly what happened to Nawazuddin Siddiqui, one of Bollywood’s most celebrated actors, during his early struggles in the industry. Known today for his unparalleled versatility and depth, Nawazuddin’s journey to stardom was anything but smooth. But here’s where it gets controversial—while his father initially disapproved of his on-screen beatings, it was those very roles that laid the foundation for his eventual success. And this is the part most people miss: the emotional toll of pursuing a dream that your family doesn’t fully understand.
Nawazuddin’s rise began with blink-and-miss roles in films like Sarfarosh and Munna Bhai MBBS, where he often portrayed petty criminals or background characters who were beaten on screen. In a candid conversation with YouTuber Raj Shamani, the actor revealed how these roles deeply unsettled his father. ‘People from my village would tell my father, ‘Your son is always getting beaten in movies,’ Nawazuddin recalled. Coming from Western UP, a region steeped in pride, his father struggled to comprehend his son’s choices. ‘Why do you keep doing such roles?’ he asked. Nawazuddin’s response was simple yet poignant: ‘I don’t get anything else; I’m trying.’ The father’s reply was harsh but revealing: ‘Then stop coming here after getting beaten up.’ Heartbroken, Nawazuddin stayed away from his village for three years.
Everything changed with Anurag Kashyap’s Gangs of Wasseypur, a film that transformed Nawazuddin’s career overnight. His powerful portrayal of a gangster earned him critical acclaim and, more importantly, his father’s respect. ‘After the film, I went back to my village and asked my father, ‘So, what do you think now?’ He smiled and said, ‘Yes, this time you did a good job,’ Nawazuddin shared. But here’s the thought-provoking question: Should an artist’s family dictate their creative choices, or is it the artist’s duty to stay true to their craft, regardless of external opinions?
Fast forward to today, Nawazuddin continues to dominate the screen with his unique talent. His recent horror-comedy film Thamma, co-starring Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna, grossed around ₹125 crore worldwide during the Diwali release. Looking ahead, Nawazuddin has a lineup of intriguing projects, including the heist thriller Faraar, where he plays a physics professor opposite an international cast, and Section 108, a film based on one of India’s biggest alleged scams. His cyber-drama Blind Babu is set for a 2026 release, and other titles like Noorani Chehra and Sangeen are also in the pipeline.
Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s story is a testament to resilience and the power of staying true to oneself. But what do you think—was his father’s initial disapproval justified, or was it a necessary hurdle in his path to greatness? Share your thoughts in the comments below!