Happy Birthday Nawaz | 10 Awesome Facts You Probably Didn’t Know About Nawazuddin Siddiqui

Nawazuddin Siddiqui - From Zero To Hero
Nawazuddin Siddiqui - From Zero To Hero

As a versatile actor, Nawazuddin Siddiqui has a huge experience of all types of films right from action, comedy, adventure, horror, romance, thriller, suspense, drama. In his career of a one-and-a-half decade, he has proved his mettle and is now considered as one of the most talented actors in Bollywood. But here is a list of 10 interesting facts you probably didn’t know about Nawazuddin Siddiqui.

1. He’s our very own UP wala!

Nawaz is from UP
Apna UP Wala Nawaz

Nawazuddin is one of the nine children of a Muslim farmer, born in a small town called Budhana in Muzaffarnagar district of Uttar Pradesh. As part of a large family of farmers he, being the oldest of seven brothers and two sisters, worked in the family’s fields, and tended their cattle, while growing up.

2. He’s a Science Graduate!

Nawazuddin Siddiqui graduated in Chemistry from Gurukul Kangri University, Haridwar, Uttarakhand. After that, he worked as a chemist in a petrochemical company in Vadodara for a short while.

3. He’s an Alumni of National School of Drama!

Nawazuddin soon got bored of working as a chemist and he moved to Delhi. There, he joined the National School of Drama (NSD), New Delhi and graduated in 1996 for his theatre academics.

4. He debuted in Sarfarosh!

10 Awesome Facts You Probably Didn't Know About Nawazuddin Siddiqui - Nawazuddin debuted in Sarfarosh
Nawazuddin in Sarfarosh

Yes! That’s true, he shared screen space with Aamir Khan in his debut in Sarfarosh. Though that role of a quintessential criminal of the Mumbai underbelly lasted only for 61 seconds, it took him years and a lot of hard work to get that role.

5. He was in Munnabhai MBBS!

10 Awesome Facts You Probably Didn't Know About Nawazuddin Siddiqui-Nawazuddin in Munnabhai MBBS
Nawazuddin in Munnabhai MBBS

After Sarfarosh and Shool (1999), he played the role of a pickpocketer in his third, Munnabhai MBBS (2003) who is beaten by the public for stealing from Munna’s Father wallet. After this, he was also seen as a bandit in his fourth The Bypass (2003) and as one of the men involved in the blast in Black Friday (2004).

6. He was once totally broke!

You must be wondering why such a talented actor like himself would play these petty roles? The only reason behind it was that after graduating from NSD, he shifted to Mumbai. These were his worst years of struggle, he was not able to make rent, he even slept on the footpath when he didn’t have a roof to sleep under! He even cooked meals for an NSD senior just so he could get a place to sleep.

7. His motivation was a girl!

It was a childhood crush on a girl living next door that propelled Nawazuddin to his profession. Both being from conservative Muslim families made it difficult for him to approach her. When he managed, though, she chose to ignore him for a TV serial. Scorned, he promised to appear on TV one day. And when he finally did, he asked a friend back home to remind her, but unfortunately, she was married by then.

8. Special Jury Award for Dekh Indian Circus!

10 Awesome Facts You Probably Didn't Know About Nawazuddin Siddiqui-Nawazuddin in Dekh Indian Circus
Nawazuddin in Dekh Indian Circus

Nawazuddin Siddiqui was awarded the Special Jury Award (which is quite a big deal) at the 60th National Awards for his outstanding performance in Dekh Indian Circus. He also won the Best Actor for this movie at the 12th annual New York Indian Film Festival.

9. Off to Hollywood!

Recent reports suggest that Nawazuddin has already signed a Hollywood film, which is an adaptation of Saroo Brierley’s book “A Long Way Home”. If sources are to be believed, he will be seen romancing Hollywood Diva Nicole Kidman in this movie! However, people close to him reveal that he is still in talks with the makers of the movie and nothing is finalized yet. But if it is true, it will be a treat to watch!

10. From zero to hero!

Currently, he has 5 films that are either awaiting release or are ready to be shot. Earlier, he would be paid Rs 500-Rs 1,000 a day for teeny roles. In the last two years, his earnings have grown by a thousand times! And without any doubt, he deserves this more than anyone else.

Way to go Nawaz.

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