Happy Birthday, Nawazuddin Siddiqui! The actor who slips into any character with ease

Nawazuddin Siddiqui (Photo/AFP)

It's Nawazuddin Siddiqui's birthday today. The National School of Drama (NSD) graduate, Nawazuddin started his acting career with a one-scene appearance in the 1999 film 'Sarfarosh'. Anurag Kashyap's 'Gangs Of Wasseypur' series of 2012 helped him attain critical acclaim and popularity, which he soon substantiated doing films such as 'Kahaani' and 'Miss Lovely'. Today, Nawazuddin is recognised as one of the finest actors in Hindi cinema.

The Uttar Pradesh-born actor came to Mumbai in the mid-90s and is now known for critically-acclaimed films such as, 'The Lunchbox', 'Badlapur', 'Manto' and 'Photograph'. Talking about his journey, he said in an interview, "I think Mumbai is a place which has the maximum number of outsiders. I am also an outsider there. Lakhs and thousands of people have realised their dreams in that city... Whoever has come there from the outside - someone is a superstar, a writer, a singer. They have become someone or the other."

The actor is undoubtedly one of the most versatile actors in Indian cinema. Although he has many blockbusters as well as average movies, what's been consistent with him over the years is his ease to slip into the mould of any dramatis personae. No matter whether he plays an out-of-the-box commercial role or a character backed by an author, his performance has always impressed the viewers.

Also Read: Nawazuddin Siddiqui's life in a village

In 2020, Nawazuddin was seen in two projects seen playing Jatil Yadav in 'Raat Akeli Hai' and Ayyan Mani in 'Serious Men', which have been two of the most memorable characters in the Indian OTT space, in a year when visual entertainment has been defined by digital content.

Recalling his struggling days, Nawaz said, "There were ups and downs in the beginning. The times of struggles cannot be forgotten. I have learned a lot from those times. too. I experienced a lot of things then and it has helped me today. A man can also learn if the time is bad. I have learned a lot from that time (phase), and that is helping me today."

'Raat Akeli Hai' featured Nawazuddin Siddiqui in the lead role of a determined police officer - Jatil Yadav. His fantastic performance in the movie had earned him adulation from critics and audiences as well. Right after delivering a stupendous performance in 'Raat Akeli Hai', the actor effortlessly slipped into the persona of Ayyan for 'Serious Men'. Furthermore, the film was based on a novel by Manu Joseph, which narrates the journey of Siddiqui's character as a common man. With the release of 'Serious Men', the actor received immense appreciation from viewers and was indeed the highlight of the film.

Also Read: Nawazuddin Siddiqui's rap in Swaggy Chudiyan song will surely leave you amazed

Adding another feather to his hat, Nawazuddin made his music video debut in B. Praak's song 'Baarish ki jaaye', which released in 2021. The video features Nawazuddin as a lover who gives his heart to a specially-abled girl portrayed by Sunanda Sharma.

He will also be seen in 'Jogira Sara Rara', 'No Man's Land' and 'Bole Chudiyaan'.

Here's wishing a very happy birthday to Nawazuddin Siddiqui, the versatile actor of Indian cinema!