Nawazuddin Siddiqui, widely regarded as one of contemporary Bollywood’s finest actors, is celebrated for his ability to transform into any character, whether a gangster, a troubled man, or a complex anti-hero. However, his journey to recognition was far from smooth. In a recent conversation with YouTuber Raj Shamani, Nawazuddin reflected on the early days of his career, revealing how his minor roles in films unsettled his father and created personal struggles that he had to navigate alongside professional challenges.

Early Career Struggles and Family Tension

Before earning critical acclaim, Nawazuddin appeared in blink-and-miss roles in films such as Sarfarosh (1999) and Munna Bhai MBBS (2003), where he frequently played petty criminals, thieves, or background characters—often the ones being beaten on screen. While these small parts helped him break into the industry, they came at a personal cost.

“From the beginning, I was always getting beaten up in films,” Nawazuddin recounted. “In Sarfarosh, my first movie, I was beaten. In Munna Bhai MBBS, the same thing happened. I was a thief, a pickpocket, always on the receiving end.”

For his father, who comes from Western Uttar Pradesh—a region where pride and respect are highly valued—watching his son repeatedly beaten on screen was disconcerting. Villagers would often approach him, saying, “Your son is always getting beaten in movies.” Concerned, Nawazuddin’s father confronted him about the roles he was taking.

“He asked me, ‘Why do you keep doing such roles?’ I told him, ‘I don’t get anything else; I’m trying.’ He then said, ‘Then stop coming here after getting beaten up.’ I was so upset that I didn’t visit my village for three years,” Nawazuddin revealed.

Breakthrough with ‘Gangs of Wasseypur’

Everything changed with Anurag Kashyap’s Gangs of Wasseypur (2012), a crime saga that became a turning point in Nawazuddin’s career. His portrayal of the formidable gangster Faizal Khan earned him widespread critical acclaim and industry recognition. Suddenly, the roles he had struggled to find for years showcased his talent in a way that the world—and his family—could no longer ignore.

“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, emphasizing how deeply meaningful that validation was. It was not just professional acknowledgment; it was a personal moment of pride and acceptance from his father, who had once been uneasy about his on-screen portrayals.

Navigating the Path to Success

Nawazuddin’s journey reflects the realities of many struggling actors in India: years of minor roles, financial uncertainty, and the challenge of gaining respect from both peers and family. Despite these hurdles, his determination and talent helped him rise to become a respected actor capable of carrying both commercial and critically acclaimed films.

His versatility has since become his trademark, moving seamlessly between genres, languages, and character types. Whether in gritty dramas, socially relevant films, or commercial hits, Nawazuddin has consistently chosen roles that challenge him and highlight his depth as an actor.

Recent Projects and Upcoming Work

Nawazuddin recently appeared in the horror-comedy Thamma, co-starring Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna. Released during the Diwali period, the film has performed impressively at the box office, grossing approximately ₹125 crore worldwide.

Looking ahead, Nawazuddin has a slate of diverse and intriguing projects lined up. He will be seen in Faraar, a heist thriller in which he plays a physics professor alongside an international cast, including Ilia Volok. He is also part of Section 108, a film centered around one of India’s largest alleged scams, and the cyber-drama Blind Babu, scheduled for release in 2026. Other upcoming titles include Noorani Chehra and Sangeen, demonstrating the wide range of genres and characters he continues to explore.

Reflection on Career and Legacy

Nawazuddin’s journey underscores the importance of perseverance, talent, and the eventual recognition of one’s work. From being a young actor whose minor roles drew criticism from his father to becoming a celebrated figure in Indian cinema, his story is one of resilience and unwavering dedication.

“I think validation comes in different forms,” he reflected. “For me, seeing my family and my father finally acknowledging my work, along with the audience and critics, means everything.”

Today, Nawazuddin Siddiqui stands not only as an accomplished actor but also as an inspiration to aspiring performers, proving that dedication, even in the face of early rejection and familial concern, can lead to extraordinary success and lasting respect in the world of cinema.