‘Might as well die if I can’t act’: Nawazuddin Siddiqui says he has lost all hope about Bollywood’s future

Nawazuddin Siddiqui said that there was a time when commercial as well as independent films would work simultaneously, but not anymore.

Nawazuddin Siddiqui talks about Bollywood actors' pay. (Photo: Nawazuddin Siddiqui/Instagram)

Actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui said that he enjoys commercial cinema, but rues the fact that it is the only kind of cinema that seems to be working today. The actor, who has been a face of several celebrated indie films, said that Bollywood doesn’t seem to have extricated itself from the trappings of the ’80s and the ’90s.

In an interview with Humans of Bombay, Nawazuddin was asked if he sees any difference between the Bollywood of the ’90s and that of today, to which the actor replied, “Same films are being made, just with different actors, costumes, make up. I am really hopeless about the future. A lot of people are optimistic, but it has been quite clear that the audience likes to watch a certain type of film, which is good, they must. But cinema of every kind should survive, which isn’t happening.”

Indian Express Entertainment is now on WhatsApp Channels. Follow us for the latest news, interviews, reviews, photos and more

Story continues below this ad

“I am not talking about commercial cinema, crores of people like it, and even I do. But the other kind of cinema may not survive today. It will take a lot of time. Earlier, both the kinds of cinema would survive, but not anymore.”

Even in these bleak times, Nawazuddin said that his love for acting hasn’t dimmed. Nawazuddin called himself an “obedient actor” and said the profession is his life, and no one can take that away from him.

Also Read | Nawazuddin Siddiqui says he applied fairness creams ‘but nothing changed’: ‘I believed that I’m not a good looking guy’

“The people I work with, they want to work with me again. I am an obedient actor, I will do everything for the film. I have a very sincere process. Acting is everything for me, my happiness is in my work. Acting is my life, it makes me happy, and I am proud of it. It is not like, ‘Oh I have worked for a month, now I need to travel and rest.’ I thank god that I chose this profession, my core is of an artiste. I want to be like this my entire life, this is my life. If you tell me I can’t act anymore, I might as well die. That’s how connected I am to it. I have no off-camera life, and I don’t even want it,” he added.

The actor had a packed 2023, with films like Afwaah, Tiku Weds Sheru, Jogira Sara Ra Ra and Haddi.

Click here to follow Screen Digital on YouTube and stay updated with the latest from the world of cinema.

Tags:
Nawazuddin Siddiqui

India welcomes Trump-Putin meeting on Aug 15: ‘Ready to support’

India3 hr ago

India on Saturday welcomed the understanding between the United States and Russia for a meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on August 15. Hours after Trump announced the meeting, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said it was ready to support the “efforts” as the meeting “holds the promise” of ending the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

View all shorts

More Entertainment

Entertainment Sitaare Zameen Par: If you need Aamir Khan to manipulate you into being a good person, maybe you're beyond redemption