Bollywood actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui is known for his exceptional talent and unconventional journey in the film industry. Despite being one of India’s most respected actors today, he recently revealed how he has faced struggles due to his appearance and the industry’s rigid beauty standards. He stated that millions of people in India look like him, whereas Hrithik Roshan has an unconventional face in comparison.
Nawazuddin Siddiqui on Blending In with the Crowd
While speaking at an event, Nawazuddin Siddiqui shared that he prefers to blend in with the crowd rather than stand out. He recalled how this quality has sometimes worked against him, even causing him to be stopped from entering the set of his own film.
I have been prevented from entering my film sets multiple times because people didn’t recognize me as an actor. I like blending in, and this has led to situations where security guards have stopped me. It’s amusing but also highlights how we perceive actors based on appearance rather than talent,he shared.
The Struggles of an ‘Unconventional’ Face
Nawazuddin Siddiqui reminisced about the early years of his career, when he often faced rejection based on his looks. He mentioned how casting directors would tell him that he did not look like an actor, which frustrated him.
I used to get angry when people told me I looked unconventional. I would ask them, ‘How am I unconventional when crores of people in India look like me?’ It is Hrithik Roshan who looks unconventional because of his unique facial features, he said with a laugh.
He further emphasized that while Bollywood has traditionally favored actors with chiseled features, his success proves that talent matters more than looks. “Cinema should reflect reality. If the majority of people in India look like me, why should an actor have to fit into a certain mold?” he questioned.
Stopped from Entering Film Sets
Nawazuddin Siddiqui also recalled a specific incident from the set of his film Talaash, where a security guard refused to let him in.
I was stopped by security because they did not believe I was an actor in the film. It took some convincing before they finally allowed me to enter, he said.
Despite his numerous achievements, he admitted that even today, people sometimes fail to recognize him as a Bollywood star due to his simple and relatable appearance.
Redefining Bollywood’s Beauty Standards
Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s journey challenges Bollywood’s conventional beauty norms. Unlike actors who fit the traditional definition of good looks, he has proven that talent, versatility, and dedication are what truly matter. His performances in critically acclaimed films such as Gangs of Wasseypur, Manjhi: The Mountain Man, The Lunchbox, and Manto have solidified his reputation as one of the finest actors in the industry.
By calling himself conventional and Hrithik Roshan unconventional, Nawazuddin has sparked an important conversation about representation in Bollywood. His statements highlight the need for the industry to embrace diverse appearances rather than conforming to a set standard of beauty.
Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s journey from struggling actor to Bollywood’s powerhouse performer is truly inspiring. His experiences serve as a reminder that success in the film industry should be based on talent rather than mere looks. As he continues to break stereotypes, his story encourages aspiring actors to pursue their dreams, regardless of societal beauty standards.
With Nawazuddin’s growing influence in Bollywood, will the industry finally move towards more inclusive representation? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain—he has already left an indelible mark on Indian cinema.
