Nawazuddin Siddiqui: 12 long years of struggle

Failure and success are not the opposite of each other. Failure is a part of success. Failing consecutively at something we’re passionate about might make us reluctant to try again, but trust me, it is worth it. Though the road to success requires lots of courage and determination, the destination eventually arrives. To keep yourself inspired in the journey, read this article about actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui in his struggling days when he only had his passion and a tinge of hope…

Nawazuddin Siddiqui was born in the Muzaffarnagar district of Uttar Pradesh. According to him, the people of his village knew only three things, “wheat, sugarcane, and guns.” He left his village to study in Haridwar and worked as a chemist in Vadodara for a year. Soon, he lost interest in his job and moved to Delhi in his search for some other work.

He became attracted to the idea of acting after he watched a play in the city. He thought that this could be it; his dream job. But he was insecure about his physique; he didn’t look the part of a Bollywood “hero” because of his short stature and lean body. However, his newfound motivation for acting made him push away his insecurities and soon he joined a theater group.

Nawazuddin is self-made; he did not even ask his family for money to pursue his dream. Instead, he worked as a guard during the day to earn and did theater in the evening. Soon, he got into the National School of Drama in Delhi. After completing the course from there, he moved to Mumbai thinking that he is suitable to work on television. But life had very different plans for him.

Struggling days

Nawazuddin Siddiqui gave auditions and faced rejection, side by side. This became a cycle because according to the directors, he did not fit in the ideal “Bollywood hero” image. Money started getting short, and in 2004, he could not even pay for rent. One of his seniors agreed to let him stay, provided that he would do the household chores. Life became very tough for him. There were days when he had to survive without food.

The roles that Nawazuddin was getting were predominantly those of pickpockets or waiters but he did not turn them down because he needed money desperately. He had almost quit and made up his mind to return to his village again. But the passion for his art prevented him from doing so.

First Break

His first major break was the film Black Friday by then-struggling director Anurag Kashyap. Nawazuddin was praised for his role in the film and started getting recognized. He had also bonded well with Kashyap; who later cast him for the lead role in Gangs of Wasseypur for which Nawazuddin became an overnight sensation. However, it did not happen over one night for him, it took him 12 years to get the recognition that he deserved.

Nawazuddin Siddiqui is known by his acting today, not his physique. He is praised well in the industry but he remains humble. Perhaps because he has seen what a rollercoaster life can be.

His story teaches us one thing for sure, to never give up on what you love. Life might eventually give you back the love that you deserve. Till then, keep trying!