Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s Life : From Watchman to Mainstream Bollywood

Nawazuddin Siddiqui

Nawazuddin Siddiqui was born in Budhana, a village in Muzaffarnagar district of the Uttar Pradesh State of India, into a zamindari Muslim family of Numberdars.

Nawazuddin Siddiqui

The actor completed his studies with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from Gurukul Kangri Vishwavidyalaya, Haridwar.

Nawazuddin Siddiqui

He worked as a chemist in Vadodara for one year before leaving for Delhi in search for a new job.

Nawazuddin Siddiqui

In Delhi, Nawazuddin was instantly drawn into acting after watching a play, and in pursuit to secure admission at National School of Drama (NSD) in New Delhi, he acted in over ten plays with a group of friends, to fulfill one of the criteria for admission. He also worked as a watchman at night after rehearsals at NSD.

Nawazuddin Siddiqui

After completing graduation from NSD, he moved to Mumbai and encountered the longest and hardest battle of his life.

Nawazuddin Siddiqui

He faced a lot of struggle during his initial days in Mumbai. The year 2004 was one of the most exceedingly terrible years of his battle, he couldn't pay any rent. Nawazuddin also asked his NSD senior whether he could stay with him. The senior permitted him to share his flat in Goregaon on the off chance that he was willing to cook meals for him.

Nawazuddin Siddiqui

He attempted to get work in TV serials, however did not make much progress.

Nawazuddin Siddiqui

Nawazuddin made his Bollywood debut in 1999, with a small role in Aamir Khan starrer, Sarfarosh. After that, he hung out at film studios and shootings but only got stereotypical roles.

Nawazuddin Siddiqui

Between 2002–2005, he was largely out of work, and lived in a flat he shared with four other people, and survived by conducting occasional acting workshops.

Nawazuddin Siddiqui

In 2010, he played a small role of a journalist in Aamir Khan's Production 'Peeli Live' that marked a significant turning point in his career.

Nawazuddin Siddiqui

Nawazuddin also earned Special Jury Award at the 60th National Film Awards 2012, for his work in films like Kahaani, Gangs of Wasseypur, Dekh Indian Circus and Talaash.

Nawazuddin Siddiqui

The actor has gained immense praise for his act opposite Salman Khan in super hit films ‘Kick’ and ‘Bajrangi Bhaijaan’ too.

Nawazuddin Siddiqui

His recent biopic ‘Manjhi – The Mountain Man’ where he played the titular role, has bought much acclaim and appreciation to the man who once worked as a watchman. Nawazuddin next will be seen opposite Shah Rukh Khan in Raees.