LONDON CALLING: NAWAZUDDIN'S FIRST UK FILM SHOOT
NAWAZUDDIN SIDDIQUI DISCUSSES HIS FIRST UK FILM SHOOT AND WHY THE SHOW MUST GO ON
IT IS the first-time acclaimed actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui is visiting London, but he isn’t able to enjoy any attractions the city has to offer.
He has been shooting for Bollywood thriller Sangeen under strict Covid-19 restrictions, so has had a daily routine of shuttling between a hotel and the film set in a bio-bubble. The acclaimed actor will add to his impressive body of work with the unique film, which only has two main protagonists and is one that looks set to expand his cinematic horizons further.
Nawazuddin Siddiqui was in good spirits, when Eastern Eye caught up with him via Zoom, to discuss his new film, acting, pressures of being at the top, inspiration during lockdown and the art of resetting to zero.
How do you look back on your amazing acting journey?
It has been a great journey so far. There were ups and downs, but that happens because you have chosen this profession. But overall, it has been really interesting.
Eastern Eye ranked your performance in the film Serious Men as the best by a male Bollywood star in 2020. How much did you enjoy playing that character? First of all, thank you very much for the honour. I appreciate it a lot, Asjad! I really enjoyed playing the character and the positive reaction to it was overwhelming. I’m so happy for that.
A massive number of producers want to work with you, but how are you choosing projects?
I focus on the character whenever a project is presented or narrated to me. I look for a challenge in the character that has been written for me, which should be there. I should have a certain amount of fear about taking on that new character and it should be out of my comfort zone. So, choosing a role like that gives me great pleasure. I do focus more on character than the story, I have to admit.
What did you like about your film Sangeen? It is a very well-written script, which is mostly focused on just two characters. So, it provides a number of interesting challenges for me as an actor. The film is mostly set within one room, with a few outdoor scenes. This premise of just two characters is interesting as well as challenging.
I know you can’t speak much about Sangeen, but what can you tell us about your role? All I can tell you is that this is a thriller. The thing about a