Nawazuddin Siddiqui has proved his versatility and acting prowess in a range of distinct roles before. And with Kick, he has touched new heights of commercial success. An overwhelmed Nawaz talks of his first negative character and more...

Did you expect this kind of reaction to your performance in Kick?
Not at all, because the film has superstar Salman Khan in it! The songs are equally good. I thought people may not even notice me. Itna jyaada appreciate karenge, aisa nahi socha tha. What can I say to this? It's a huge compliment. I am flattered. This brilliant response will help my small budget films. At a private screening, Salman warmly hugged me and appreciated my work. I owe this to him as it's because of Salman that I was able to reach out to a wider audience.

And this, in spite of you only appearing in the second half of the film.
The length of my role was perfect. Had the duration been longer, it would have lessened the fun and the mystery surrounding the character. Also the role should be significant rather than lengthy.

How was it playing the bad guy for the first time?
I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was more challenging as the 'performance element' is higher in these roles since you are nothing like that character. You can't be yourself on screen. Playing a bad guy is more fun.

Your egotistical evil laugh in the film has become the talk of the town.
While Sajid (Nadiadwala) and I discussed the character, I just made that sound with the tongue and he incorporated it immediately. I didn't want to give my character a generic treatment. The laugh was inspired by Manoj Bajpayee's character in Aks.

You belong to a different school of acting. Did you alter your sensibility to fit into the commercial space?
Every role needs preparation. I had to play to the gallery here, so Sajid suggested I raise my acting pitch a note higher without making it look theatrical. It was my interpretation of the character.

Would you be more keen on doing big films from now on?
I will only do commercial films if my role is substantial. It could be one film a year but I will mostly con tinue doing my kind of cinema.

Your little daughter Shora is extremely protective of you...
Yes, she scolded the audience in a theatre, when they laughed at my character's quirks in The Lunchbox.
In Kick, she refused to watch the scene where Salman beats me up.