Sanyukta Iyer (MUMBAI MIRROR; June 19, 2015)

Nawazuddin Siddiqui who made his way to Mumbai from Muzaffarnagar is now getting ready for a trip to the Palm Springs International Film Festival with his maiden production, Miyan Kal Aana, directed by his younger brother Shamas Nawab Siddiqui. The 18-minute short film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival last month in the Short Film Corner category, a non-competitive segment.

"It was the only Indian entry in a selection of 10 international films. I'm proud that I can call myself a successful producer," beams Nawaz, adding that the film will release in India soon.

The short follows the journey of Imtiaz who divorced his wife in a fit of anger only to realise that he had made his life's biggest mistake. He wants his wife back but now has to follow the Halala law and arrange to get her married to someone else first. Only after she divorces her second husband can she reunite with him.

"The film gets interesting when the new husband does not want to divorce her," Nawaz laughs, pointing out that the issue is still prevalent in our society. "Personally, I would have never thought of making a film on such a bold and controversial subject but my brother Shamas dared to take the step," he applauds.

Nawaz couldn't be at the French Riviera with his brother as he was in Kashmir, shooting with Salman Khan for his upcoming film, Bajrangi Bhaijaan. But this time, he already has his bags packed.