Nawazuddin Siddiqui
Nawazuddin Siddiqui on his debut international series filmed by 'Black Mirror' director, penned by Ryan Gosling's 'Drive' writer
Sonil Dedhia (MID-DAY; January 16, 2017)

Nawazuddin Siddiqui garnered much attention when he took to Twitter late in December to describe his experience of shooting an international TV show with English film director James Watkins. "It was an overwhelming experience", he had written. When hitlist got in touch with the actor to learn more about his small-screen debut in the UK, he gushes, "It's a lavish series and is titled 'McMafia'." But, that's all that he is allowed to reveal at this point.

The 'Haraamkhor' actor proudly goes on to list names of the big shots associated with the BBC project: "James Watkins, who has previously worked on a few episodes of 'Black Mirror', has directed it. The series is written by Oscar nominated Hossein Amini, the man behind the screenplay of Ryan Gosling's Drive," says Nawaz, who recently finished shooting for the first schedule and will kick off the second one in Croatia soon.

The eight-episode international crime drama, which is inspired from Misha Glenny's 2008 best-selling book by the same name, features James Norton (Happy Valley) in the lead. Talking about his experience of working with the team, he adds, "It was amazing to work which such renowned people. You learn something new and add to your skills by merely watching them work."

Like Priyanka Chopra, who had resolved that her Hollywood debut project would be at par with the roles she takes up in her home turf, Nawaz, too, says he wouldn't give his nod to an international project if he was restricted to a cameo. "Unlike our Indian actors, who get ready to do anything just to be a part of Hollywood, I would only like to do impactful roles," he signs off.