Actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui has openly voiced his frustration with the prevailing norms in Bollywood, attributing the industry’s disconnect with audiences to its obsession with star power over genuine acting. In a candid conversation surrounding his latest release Costao, Nawazuddin pointed out that despite immense public appreciation for actors like Manoj Bajpayee, Irrfan Khan, Om Puri, and Naseeruddin Shah, their films rarely receive large-scale releases.
He argued that this imbalance stems from the industry's preference for what he described as “industry actors” — individuals pushed forward by the system rather than by public demand.
Nawazuddin emphasized that these celebrated actors are widely respected and deeply admired, yet their talents are often overlooked when it comes to leading big-budget films. “People want to see the public actors on screen,” he noted, explaining that while their appeal is clear, their movies are not given the scale or backing they deserve. This, according to him, is a central problem in Bollywood’s current approach.
Disparity in Big-Budget Projects
Reflecting on the missed opportunities of the past, Nawazuddin shared his disappointment over the lack of ₹20-30 crore films starring legends like Irrfan Khan and Om Puri. He said that while there is now widespread appreciation for these actors, during their lifetimes, they were not given the value they deserved. “Today everyone talks about Irrfan Khan. Nobody paid heed to them when they were alive,” he said, expressing regret that such talented individuals were never considered for leading roles in mainstream, high-investment films.
Even today, actors of Bajpayee’s caliber continue to be cast predominantly in small-budget projects, despite widespread acclaim. Nawazuddin pointed out that the industry’s reluctance to place these talents at the forefront of commercial cinema highlights a systemic issue that has long plagued Bollywood.
Comparisons with the South Indian Film Industry
Drawing a stark comparison with the South Indian film industry, Nawazuddin showed the difference in how actors are treated and valued. He remarked that South Indian films, even those earning Rs 500 crore or more at the box office, often feature true actors in leading roles.
According to him, this is a key reason behind their consistent success. He criticized Bollywood’s fixation on dressing up stars with elaborate choreography and flashy action, without any assurance of box office performance. “When these big stars can't guarantee (box office numbers), then why make Rs 100 crore films with them?” he questioned, adding that if there are no guarantees either way, then it makes more sense to invest in actors who actually know the craft.
Siddiqui also responded to recent remarks made by actor Seema Pahwa about contemplating leaving the industry due to limited opportunities. Calling her a brilliant performer, he expressed concern that if even someone like her is feeling sidelined, it signals deeper flaws within the system. He also acknowledged that filmmaker Anurag Kashyap’s gradual distancing from Mumbai’s mainstream industry was influenced by these very dynamics, describing Kashyap as more than just a friend — a brother.
On Performing at Private Events and Work Front
In another revealing interview, Nawazuddin commented on the long-standing debate around actors performing at weddings and private functions. Unapologetically, he accepted that there is nothing wrong with such performances, likening today’s actors to traditional ‘bhands’ — performers who historically entertained communities for pay. “We’re all ‘bhands’—folk performers,” he said, suggesting that despite the glamor and wealth, actors are still part of an age-old tradition of seeking validation through performance. He explained that the only difference now is that these performances happen under the spotlight, not in tents.
Nawazuddin Siddiqui was recently seen in Costao, a biographical crime drama directed by Sejal Shah. The film, released on ZEE5 on May 1, 2025, features a strong ensemble cast including Priya Bapat, Kishore, Hussain Dalal, and Mahika Sharma. Siddiqui plays the role of an upright customs officer in the film, which explores issues of corruption and morality.
#Operation Sindoor
India-Pakistan Clash Live Updates| Missiles, shelling, and attacks — here’s all that’s happening
Pakistani Air Force jet shot down in Pathankot by Indian Air Defence: Sources
India on high alert: What’s shut, who’s on leave, and state-wise emergency measures
Nawazuddin emphasized that these celebrated actors are widely respected and deeply admired, yet their talents are often overlooked when it comes to leading big-budget films. “People want to see the public actors on screen,” he noted, explaining that while their appeal is clear, their movies are not given the scale or backing they deserve. This, according to him, is a central problem in Bollywood’s current approach.
Disparity in Big-Budget Projects
Reflecting on the missed opportunities of the past, Nawazuddin shared his disappointment over the lack of ₹20-30 crore films starring legends like Irrfan Khan and Om Puri. He said that while there is now widespread appreciation for these actors, during their lifetimes, they were not given the value they deserved. “Today everyone talks about Irrfan Khan. Nobody paid heed to them when they were alive,” he said, expressing regret that such talented individuals were never considered for leading roles in mainstream, high-investment films.Even today, actors of Bajpayee’s caliber continue to be cast predominantly in small-budget projects, despite widespread acclaim. Nawazuddin pointed out that the industry’s reluctance to place these talents at the forefront of commercial cinema highlights a systemic issue that has long plagued Bollywood.
Comparisons with the South Indian Film Industry
Drawing a stark comparison with the South Indian film industry, Nawazuddin showed the difference in how actors are treated and valued. He remarked that South Indian films, even those earning Rs 500 crore or more at the box office, often feature true actors in leading roles. According to him, this is a key reason behind their consistent success. He criticized Bollywood’s fixation on dressing up stars with elaborate choreography and flashy action, without any assurance of box office performance. “When these big stars can't guarantee (box office numbers), then why make Rs 100 crore films with them?” he questioned, adding that if there are no guarantees either way, then it makes more sense to invest in actors who actually know the craft.
Siddiqui also responded to recent remarks made by actor Seema Pahwa about contemplating leaving the industry due to limited opportunities. Calling her a brilliant performer, he expressed concern that if even someone like her is feeling sidelined, it signals deeper flaws within the system. He also acknowledged that filmmaker Anurag Kashyap’s gradual distancing from Mumbai’s mainstream industry was influenced by these very dynamics, describing Kashyap as more than just a friend — a brother.
On Performing at Private Events and Work Front
In another revealing interview, Nawazuddin commented on the long-standing debate around actors performing at weddings and private functions. Unapologetically, he accepted that there is nothing wrong with such performances, likening today’s actors to traditional ‘bhands’ — performers who historically entertained communities for pay. “We’re all ‘bhands’—folk performers,” he said, suggesting that despite the glamor and wealth, actors are still part of an age-old tradition of seeking validation through performance. He explained that the only difference now is that these performances happen under the spotlight, not in tents.Nawazuddin Siddiqui was recently seen in Costao, a biographical crime drama directed by Sejal Shah. The film, released on ZEE5 on May 1, 2025, features a strong ensemble cast including Priya Bapat, Kishore, Hussain Dalal, and Mahika Sharma. Siddiqui plays the role of an upright customs officer in the film, which explores issues of corruption and morality.
