For Paritosh Painter, convincing Nawazuddin Siddiqui to return to the stage after decades came with immense pressure. The writer-director recalls walking into their first meeting knowing he had just one chance to impress the acclaimed actor. Nawazuddin stars in Painter’s play Naqaab, which also marks the acting debut of his daughter, Shora. The team is currently on an international tour, staging the play for audiences across the world.

Paritosh recalls, “When I was meeting him, I knew I had only one chance. If he said no, it was over. He has done every kind of role as an actor, so the challenge was to bring something interesting and challenging to the table. I’m happy he liked what we narrated. He also contributed ideas, and we developed the play together. The challenge was how to excite a man who has done every kind of role, but he loved the script.”

Paritosh says one of Nawazuddin’s biggest requests was to preserve the authenticity of theatre. “Nawaz bhai wanted the feel of theatre. He didn’t want LED screens as the backdrop. He wanted an actual set.”

That commitment extended to every aspect of the production. Nawazuddin has five to six costume changes during the play, with brief pauses built into the performance to allow him time to change backstage.

“We gave him a short break so he has time to go backstage, change and come back. I keep asking him, ‘Do you need more time?’ He says, ‘No! I want to do it quickly and come back.’ He loves challenges. They give him a great high,” shares Paritosh.

Speaking about directing Shora, he says, “When we did the first reading, Shora was quite raw. She studied in an American school and later in London, so her command over English was good, but her Hindi was weak, and this is a full-fledged Hindi play. She put in a lot of effort and used to sit with my assistants to improve.”

Nawazuddin was equally invested in helping his daughter settle into the production. Paritosh says, “Nawaz bhai didn’t need to spend much time in rehearsals. After about 10 readings, he was ready. But he still put in the effort so Shora could catch up. He has done around 90 run-throughs of the play.”

Actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s daughter, Shora, recently took a significant step in her acting journey by participating in the musical Beauty And The Beast at the West End Stage - Theatre Summer School in London. The proud father shared a picture of her post-performance on Instagram. Last month, Siddiqui had dropped her off in London, where she embarked on her own acting journey.

Reflecting on his own acting training at the National School of Drama in Delhi, Siddiqui shares how seeing his daughter get the opportunity to train internationally fills him with pride: “Of course, I feel proud. Every workshop and training institute teaches you things you might not have known. If she’s learning from such a prestigious institute, it’s only going to benefit her career.”

The 54-year-old actor is a firm believer in the necessity of training for actors. “Mera belief hai training par. It’s not like you just wake up and become an actor. If someone wants to be a serious actor, they’ll do some kind of workshop, big or small, or engage in some serious work. Born actor jaisa kuch nahi hota. Har cheez ki expertise hoti hai — main aapka kaam nahin kar sakta, aap mera kaam nahi kar sakte. Uske liye training ki zarurat hai,” he asserts.

When asked what he wants Shora to learn from his acting experience, Siddiqui’s response is clear: “nothing”. “She’s viewing the world through her own perspective, and that’s important. Her interpretation of life should be her own. My experience, training and life are different,” he ends.

Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s daughter Shora, who is a spitting image of her talented father, is all set to follow in his footsteps. The 13-year-old is keen on taking up acting professionally given her strong liking for performing arts. Nawaz, who has trained actors and conducted workshops with them in his early years, is clear that acting needs to be learned and needs appropriate training.

Talking about his daughter stepping into his profession, the National School of Drama (NSD) alumnus tells us, “I want Shora to follow her dreams. She is 13 and is all set to pursue performing arts. I have enrolled her into an acting school. I want her to be a trained actor if she wishes to take up acting professionally. Acting is an art and it helps to be prepared. I am there for her and will always support her in every way possible, but just that isn’t enough. I will even take her to the best acting schools and workshops. If you want something badly, you need to put your best foot forward and do it with all your heart.”

Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s daughter Shora often accompanies him to his film set. We hear, the girl isn’t just intrigued by her father’s performances or retakes, but the whole process of filmmaking.

Nawaz says, “It’s too early to say, but I do believe that she’ll choose a career in films. Of course, she should finish her education first. But I do notice her observing the minutest details on the set. She will closely study how the director operates, cinematographer works and actors execute the scenes. She is not the kind to just visit the set and do her own thing. She likes to get involved and understand how it all works. She is fascinated by the process of filmmaking. I won’t be surprised if she aspires to be a filmmaker one day.”

When younger, Shora was even more protective of her father. “She would hush the people in the theatre who laughed at my character or lines. She thought they were laughing at her father. Back then, she was too young to understand what was happening, but now she is pretty aware,” shares the actor.

Apparently, Nawaz’s little girl was even offered parts in films as a child actor, but the actor insisted that she complete her education first.

I come from Budhana, a small town in the Muzaffarnagar district of Uttar Pradesh. My grandfather was a farmer, so was my father. I started going to the fields at the age of 10 and tilled the land till I was 22 when I left for Vadodara to pursue further studies. I started out as a chemist there, developed an interest in acting and took off to Delhi to learn it professionally at the National School of Drama (NSD). Today, I am based in Mumbai but I still have fond memories of Budhana when my day used to start as early as 4.30 am.

As soon as I woke up I would head for the fields, drawing water from the tubewell for irrigation. The water had to be systematically distributed, it couldn't be allowed to collect in one place and go waste. At my time we didn't have tractor, so we'd plough with a hoe or use bulls. At 10 am I would get ready and leave for school. Most of the work was done in the morning but I'd still go to the fields for a stroll every evening because I enjoyed being there. We grew cash and food crops, mostly rice and sugarcane. I had once sold sugarcanes and gave the money straight to my father. Sometimes I'd joke that if that transaction could only happen without a receipt, I would have kept a percentage for myself. We've always had a comfortable life but I remember farmers losing a lot of money when insects destroyed crops. I'd feel really sad because I know how many compromises they had to make following such losses. When I went to Cannes in early 2016, I had met a bunch of French filmmakers who were also farmers from Nice. They introduced me to a unique irrigation technique called centre pivot, which helps farmers save on water and electricity. I want to introduce this technique in my village over the next two to four months.

Given my busy schedule, I don't get so much time to visit my gaon often, but whenever I'm there I still wake up at 4 am and sprinkle water in the fields. My children, Shora and Yani, also love it there and are playing in the fields all day. I have a farmhouse in Karasa now where I grow fruits and vegetables through organic farming, a method practiced even in my farms in Budhana. Farming is in my blood and there are times when I really miss the fields.

A man with stars in his eyes comes from a village to the big city of Mumbai - a hotbed for dazzling dreams. He struggles for fifteen long years while feeding off small roles, hungry for more and always hopeful.Then finally, he gets his golden turn. To show the world the talent that he has been honing for decades. Well, this is what human stories are made of - triumphant and inspiring. And even after all this, nothing has changed the man. He's simple, no frills, small on showbaazi, big on talent and truly grateful for it all. With his next, Mom, directed by Ravi Udyawar, ready to release this week, Nawazuddin Siddiqui talks about his struggles, stardom and stigmas.In his own style - simple and straight from the heart. Read on...

You have been an actor for decades, but you shot into limelight after films like Gangs Of Wasseypur and Kahaani. From then to now, we have seen a change in you. As a public figure, you seem to be more at ease and comfortable with yourself...
Yes, there has been a change, but I still don't feel too comfortable on public platforms. I go for very few events and even when I'm on an international platform, I'm slightly uncomfortable. When we are abroad at some film festival, we move around in a group that includes the director, producer and co-actors. So, even if I get a little conscious, I'm not alone and get a boost looking at my colleagues. But when I'm all by myself, I'm a little wary of being judged. You give me any character and I'll pull it off, but as a public figure, I tend to get conscious.

Do you feel that now, people are more accepting of you the way you are?
This is how I am. Kabhi kabhi dar lagta hai ki mein sab ke jaisa ho jaunga toh artificial lagunga. The typical star behaviour will never come to me naturally, so even if I struggle to behave that way, I will look fake. If people don't have a problem with me being the way I am, toh bahut achha hai.

Was the change in your lifestyle very drastic for you? How did people close to you in Mumbai and in your village react to your fame and success?
Sometimes, I still don't believe I am all that famous. When I go to smaller towns, the people there feel, 'Yeh to hamare jaisa hi hai.' They feel confident that if I can do this, so can they. Yes, the change was very drastic; it took some time to get comfortable with it. There was a time when I would head out on my own and no one would bother at all. Now, for my safety, I need some people around me. I don't get such treatment at home. Family mujhe iss tarah ka bhaav nahi deti. Meri beti bhi mujhe daant deti hai. Even when I go back to my village, for the first two days people are a little conscious. They don't easily come around and hang out with me right away .After a day, when they see that I am reaching out to them, they feel assured that I am still the same Nawaz. I have farmed in that village for 30 years. Wahan mere itne dost hain, sab ke saath kaam kiya hain, and nothing can change those bonds.

I'm sure that at some point, the same people must have reacted with shock to your decision to be a Bollywood actor. They probably dissuaded you, too?
Till about 20 years ago, a star was supposed to have some typical attributes, like they had to be tall, fair, well-built and handsome. Well, I obviously didn't meet any of those standards. So, people around me felt that I didn't fit the bill. They would tell me, 'Kyun koshish kar raha hai?' But when I became a successful actor, they were the ones who were the happiest. Aaj bhi mujhe leke bada achambha hota hai un logon ko ki ....yeh star bana kaise.

In an industry where physical attributes matter so much, how did you fight that stigma?
There's a reason I took 16 years to get to where I am today. Actor toh main pehle bhi tha, lekin yahan pahunchne ke liye bahut stig mas fight kiye hain. I was told in so many words that I don't look like an actor. When I went to production houses and said that I am an actor, they didn't believe it. I would then show them a live demo and that would leave them confused about what they can do with me. Today, things have changed; even stars want to play strong characters. There has been a huge shift in perception where mainstream heroes are experimenting with characters and character actors are playing lead roles in mainstream films.

Now, do you consciously work on your looks and styling?
I still don't focus on these aspects. I pay up a year's fee for my gym membership, but I end up using it for about only five or six times in a year. As for my clothes, I am not brand conscious. Main glamorous parties aur events mein nahi jaata, so I don't even need such clothes. Kaam kiya, uske baad seedha ghar jaata hoon. I'm one of those actors who give their shot and move out of the spotlight. People say that it is important to socialise and network. I don't think so, because there are so many people who do that, but they don't have work. Yahan aapke liye kaam hoga toh aapko qabr se nikaal laayenge, aur agar kaam nahi hoga toh aapko qabr mein pahuncha denge.

Your relationship with Mumbai is very special. Even during your struggling days, you had made up your mind that you wouldn't leave the city...
Have you seen the waves along Mumbai's shores? They throw you out but they also take you in. Mumbai is like that. I've lived in so many places around Andheri. When I didn't have money to travel, I would walk from Four Bungalows to Film City (Goregaon). It took me two hours, but I did it. I've practically seen this city on foot. I remember so many places where I would stop by for chai or sasta khana late into the night. Back then, I wasn't sure if I'd get a meal the next day in the afternoon, but I would ensure that I got some dinner before going to bed. Paise ka jugaad ho jaata tha, nahi toh jo dost TV serial mein kaam karte the, unko kisi tarah emotional blackmail karke khaana kha leta. Now when I see those spots, there is a sense of uneasiness. In my heart, I thank God that my life is not as tough anymore. I also pray that I don't have to face those struggles again. Yes, those experiences make you a better actor, but the fight for two square meals a day shouldn't happen to anyone. Main toh bach gaya lekin kuch log uss struggle ke baad pagal aur eccentric ho jaate hain. They leave everything behind and go back to where they came from. Such struggles can kill your talent.

I am sure that for years, you followed the work of so many actors from our industry, and today, you are working with some of the biggest names. Were you ever in awe of the superstars with whom you've worked?
Yeh itne bade superstars hain toh ek awe toh hota hai, but scene karte waqt nahi. They have an aura and you can't ignore their star power. As an actor, I don't get intimidated by anyone's stardom. When I am acting with them, I am not in awe of them. While performing a scene, if I keep thinking that the person standing in front of me is Shah Rukh Khan, then I'm insulting the character that he's playing. It also shows that I'm getting corrupt as an actor because I can't differentiate between an actor and character. I will quit acting the day I can't differentiate an actor from a character; or the day I get intimidated by a co-actor while doing a scene. I've worked with theatre stalwarts and done about 5,000 street plays. That's my foundation as an actor. Actors can never become bigger than a scene or the film. Not even a stalwart like Robert DeNiro.

There is a flip side to stardom, as actors who are put on that pedestal are expected to repeat the similar act every time. In a sense, they get typecast...
In my case, main typecast hua hi nahi. Jo typical hero hote hai, they get typecast. Unko darr hota hai uss cheez ka, as some of them have been heroes for 25 years now. The term 'hero' is what leads to actors getting typecast. Even if that hero has range, no one cares to tap it. So, he starts doing clichéd roles because that's what works for the filmmakers. Today, if I have the chance to offer variety in my performance, why would I let go of that? I have a special role in Mom and I enjoyed doing it. I don't want to slip into a comfort zone. For me, the most difficult part is dancing. My mind and body struggle to do it. I will be seen dancing in Munna Michael, let's see how it goes.

Very few get a chance to work with an actress like Sridevi. What was your reaction when you were offered a part with her?
I've seen a lot of world cinema and according to me, Srideviji is the most talented actress in Bollywood. I have watched all her films and I have observed how she plays it differently each time. I didn't even read the script of Mom and I gave a go ahead to Boney sir. My main reason for working in the film was that I was getting a chance to share screen space with Srideviji. For me, the size of the role does not matter but how strong it is and how it's making a difference to me as an actor and the movie.

According to you, which is your finest performances?
Well, whatever work you do only adds to your experience and helps you improvise. I have a lot of years ahead of me. I don't want to analyse which is my best work till now. Yes, Gangs Of Wasseypur was a turning point. After that film released, I received 175 scripts. Woh time pe mujhe galat choices se bachna tha. Logon ne blank cheques diye mujhe and they were willing to move their dates to fit me in. For someone who has struggled for 15 years to get two meals a day, it was very tempting. Mere aage bahut seniors hain joh stars bane aur gire kyunki unhone galat choices li. I don't run after money. It might sound like I am boasting... par mujhe itna kaabil banna hai ki paisa mere peeche aaye, main uske peeche nahi. If it is possible, then why not? Main aur bahut mehnat kar sakta hoon, aur koi mujhe rok nahin sakta.

Nawazuddin Siddiqui celebrated his birthday yesterday in Kashmir on the set of Bajrangi Bhaijaan with Salman Khan and team. What doubled the celebration was the birth of his second child - ­ a son, coinciding with his birthday.

Nawaz's wife Aaliya delivered the baby boy in Jabalpur, where her parents reside. An ecstatic Nawaz said, “I got to know about my baby on Tuesday morning, soon after he was born at 10 am. I wish I could be with my wife but I'm hoping to reach Mumbai soon and head to Jabalpur to be with her.“

The mother had a normal delivery and both she and the child are healthy said the actor. The couple hasn't decided upon the name for their son as yet. The proud father of two, said, “My daughter, who is five-years-old now, is called Shora - Urdu name describing intellectuals involved in translations of religious books. So I guess even my son will mostly have an Urdu name.“
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Roshmila Bhattacharya (MUMBAI MIRROR; May 20, 2015)

Nawazuddin Siddiqui's wife Anjali ensured that the actor's 41st birthday will be unforgettable. She delivered a baby boy early on May 19 to make it a double celebration. The couple already are the proud parents of a six-year-old daughter Shora.

Mirror connected with the actor at Srinagar airport, minutes before he was to board a flight to Mumbai from where he would proceed to his wife's home in Jabalpur to be with his family. Nawaz has been filming Kabir Khan's Bajrangi Bhaijaan in the Valley and fortunately for him the shoot wrapped up on Monday.

"Late at night we had a party to bring in my birthday. My son hadn't entered the world then but Salman who loves children and is like an elder brother to me, gave me his blessings and told me to convey his regards to my wife. I have yet to tell Kabir, Kareena and him the good news," said an elated Nawaz who when quizzed on the baby's name admitted he's still trying to figure out something nice. "My wife and I will think of one together. I couldn't have asked for a better birthday gift. From now on there will be double celebrations in the family on this day."

Meanwhile, the good times continue for Nawaz and his family. A 17-minute short, Miyan Kal Aana, which he has produced and his brother, Shamas Nawab Siddiqui, has directed, will be screened at the Cannes Film Festival in the Short Film Corner category on May 23. As Mirror (April 15) had earlier reported, the film looks at the controversial Halala law in Islam and questions its treatment of women.

According to thelaw, if a Muslim man wants to remarry his divorced wife, he has to get her married to another man who will then have to divorce her, before theycan be reunited. 

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.