The Real Mountain Man Short, lean, dark-complexioned Nawazuddin Siddiqui is truly an antithesis of a Bollywood hero. It took him 14 years to get recognized in Bollywood.
You're reading BIZ Experiences India, an international franchise of BIZ Experiences Media.
Nawazuddin Siddiqui is truly an antithesis of a Bollywood hero. It's not just his appearance that lets you decide his fate but his background of coming from a poor family from aUP village. It took him 14 years to get recognized in Bollywood.
The rags-to-riches story of Siddiqui is soon coming out in the form of a book. At the recent Spring Fever 2016 by Random House, he spoke about his struggles. BIZ Experiences features a few learnings he has to offer.
Giving up is not an option
When asked after all struggles and disappointments why he didn't go back, Siddiqui answers, "This fear ensured that I never returned. The struggle is for everyone. Even star kids have to struggle. Their dads can make just one movie for them."
Persistence pays
He went through a lot of struggles before he got the opportunity to prove his mettle in Gangs of Wasseypur. From a village to Bollywood was not an easy road. Success eluded him for many years but it was his persistence that actually paid off. Lessonlearnt: keep knocking the door until you get an answer.
Pursue your dreams
His life has all been about pursuing your dreams relentlessly. "I never wanted to prove anything to anyone. I worked very hard – more than any other actor. I was happy to do even one. I wasn't aiming to become a star I wanted to be honest with the scene," he says.
This article first appeared in the Indian edition of BIZ Experiences magazine (April 2016 Issue).
