Nawazuddin Siddiqui, who has been nominated in the Best Supporting Actor category for Bajrangi Bhaijaan and Best Actor in a Negative role for Badlapur at the Times of India Film Awards (TOIFA) 2016, speaks on stardom, cinema and much more.

How does it feel to have bagged two TOIFA nominations in different categories this year?
I am thrilled. It is good to know that your work is being appreciated. Both the films have been special for me. I remember people telling me after watching Badlapur that they didn't expect me in such an avatar. That was a great compliment as it's good to surprise people. Bajrangi Bhaijaan was equally special as it had a beautiful message.

How important is winning for you?
It's good to be appreciated but if I don't win, I don't get depressed. Appreciation shouldn't make you complacent or kill your hunger to achieve more. This is what happens to most people from the National School of Drama. Mehnat karna chod dete hai. (They stop working hard). Awards should inspire you to not give up. I am discovering myself with every film as I believe my best is yet to come.

You've become a prominent face of Indian cinema today. Has stardom changed things?
I feel stardom can corrupt your mind as an actor. I don't think about the fame at all as it can affect your performance. There is a certain spontaneity or instinct that I bring into my characters for which it's important to stay raw.

Why do you say that stardom can corrupt your mind as an actor?
Once you believe you are a star, you feel that no matter what you do, people are going to like you and that's scary. But that's a mistake.

You've come up the hard way. Any lessons learnt?
Never imitate someone or try to fit in. Jo aapki khaasiyat hoti hai, usko khona nahi chahiye. (Just retain your uniqueness). Don't follow trends, just focus on your craft and keep things simple.

2015 was a good year for you. Do you think Bollywood has evolved and that better films are being made?
Yes, all kinds of films are being made and there is room for everyone. It is not as restricted or stereotypical anymore.

You hate to label characters as dark and white, right?
I am often asked why I play 'dark' characters. I have never understood why people label it as dark, grey, white, black. That is one thing that irks me. Characters are characters.