Nawazuddin Siddiqui, a prominent figure in Bollywood, has recently voiced his thoughts on the industry's treatment of critically acclaimed actors, particularly those who have passed away, such as Om Puri and Irrfan Khan. In a candid interview, Siddiqui lamented that the Hindi film industry has consistently sidelined these talented performers, relegating them to small or mid-budget films instead of casting them in significant lead roles in big-budget projects.
During his conversation with Pinkvilla, Siddiqui pointed out that despite the immense talent of actors like Om Puri, Naseeruddin Shah, and Manoj Bajpayee, they have seldom been given the opportunity to shine in mainstream cinema. He remarked, "From Naseer Sahab to Om Puri, then Pankaj Kapur and Irrfan Khan and Manoj Bajpayee; these are the greatest actors of our film industry. But unfortunately, nobody thought about making a big-budget film with them as leads. Nobody thought about this, even though people in India were crazy about watching them on screen. They were wonderful actors, but their cinema could never reach the masses. They say there are public's actors and industry's actors. But the films of these public's actors are not reaching the public. It saddens me."
Siddiqui expressed his disappointment that the industry often remembers these actors only after their deaths, while they were alive, they were not afforded the respect and recognition they deserved. He questioned, "Aaj sab Irrfan Khan Irrfan karte hain. Jab zinda the tab to qadr ki nahi. Did anyone make a Rs. 20-25 crore film with him? No!" This sentiment echoes a growing concern among fans and critics alike about the Bollywood industry's tendency to overlook exceptional talent in favor of more commercially viable stars.
In addition to discussing the industry's casting practices, Siddiqui also shared insights about his own career. He recently starred in the biographical crime drama film, Costao, which was released on May 1, 2025. Directed by Sejal Shah, the film features Siddiqui as an honest customs officer in Goa during the 1990s. The film has received positive reviews, showcasing Siddiqui's versatility and dedication to his craft.
Looking ahead, Siddiqui is set to appear in the upcoming horror comedy, Thama, slated for release during Diwali 2025. This film, which stars Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna, will see Siddiqui take on the role of a vampire. As reported by Mid-day, the production team plans to shoot the background story of his character in the third week of May 2025, adding depth to his role as a villain.
The discussion surrounding the underutilization of talented actors in Bollywood is not new. The parallel cinema movement, which gained prominence in the 1980s, featured actors like Naseeruddin Shah and Om Puri, who were celebrated for their performances in art films. However, their contributions to mainstream cinema have often been overshadowed by the industry's focus on commercial success.
Siddiqui's comments have sparked a conversation about the need for change in Bollywood's casting practices. Many fans and industry insiders are calling for a reevaluation of how talent is recognized and utilized in films. The idea that some actors are considered "public's actors" while others are deemed "industry's actors" raises important questions about the criteria for casting and the narratives that are prioritized in mainstream cinema.
As Siddiqui continues to advocate for his fellow actors, his own career serves as a testament to the potential for success within the industry, even for those who may not fit the traditional mold. His ability to navigate the complexities of Bollywood while remaining true to his craft is commendable and offers hope for a more inclusive future in Indian cinema.
In a landscape that often prioritizes commercial viability over artistic merit, Siddiqui's remarks resonate with many who believe that the industry must do better in honoring the talents of its greatest actors. As audiences continue to demand diverse storytelling and representation, the hope is that Bollywood will evolve to embrace the full spectrum of talent available to it.
The conversation initiated by Nawazuddin Siddiqui is more than just a critique of past practices; it is a call to action for the industry to recognize and celebrate the contributions of all actors, regardless of their commercial appeal. As the industry moves forward, the hope is that it will take these lessons to heart, ensuring that no talent goes unrecognized and that the stories of all actors can reach the audiences they deserve.
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