About:
Nawazuddin Siddiqui (born 19 May 1974) is a renowned Indian actor known for his work in Hindi cinema. He has earned acclaim for his performances in films such as Gangs of Wasseypur (2012), The Lunchbox (2013), Raman Raghav 2.0 (2016), and Manto (2018). Siddiqui has appeared in eight films screened at the Cannes Film Festival and has won numerous awards, including a National Film Award, a Filmfare Award, and two Asia Pacific Screen Awards.
Early Life
Born in Budhana, Uttar Pradesh, into a zamindari Muslim family, Siddiqui is the eldest of eight siblings. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in chemistry from Gurukul Kangri University in Haridwar. Initially working as a chemist in Vadodara, he moved to Delhi to pursue acting, joining the National School of Drama (NSD) and acting in over ten plays to fulfill admission requirements.
Career
1999–2012: Early Work and Recognition
After graduating from NSD in 1999, Siddiqui moved to Mumbai and debuted with a small role in Sarfarosh (1999). He had minor roles in films like Shool (1999), Jungle (2000), and Munnabhai MBBS (2003). His breakthrough came with Peepli Live (2010), and he gained further recognition for his role in Patang: The Kite (2012), praised by critic Roger Ebert.
2012–Present: Mainstream Success
Siddiqui’s role in Kahaani (2012) and the epic Gangs of Wasseypur boosted his fame. He starred in Miss Lovely, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, and received accolades for The Lunchbox (2013). He played a lead antagonist in Kick (2014) and was praised for his roles in Bajrangi Bhaijaan and Manjhi – The Mountain Man (2015). His performance in Raman Raghav 2.0 (2016) earned him international awards, and he won Best Actor for Manto (2018) at the Asia Pacific Screen Awards.
Siddiqui’s work in Sacred Games (2019) was lauded by author Paulo Coelho. He appeared in the American-Bangladeshi-Indian film No Land’s Man (2021) and Heropanti 2 (2022). In 2023, he starred in Afwaah, Jogira Sara Ra Ra, and Tiku Weds Sheru.
Personal Life
Siddiqui has been married twice. He reconnected with his first partner, Anjana Kishor Pandey, who converted to Islam and became Aalia. They have two children but are currently separated. Siddiqui resides in Mumbai with his younger brother, Shamas Nawab, and enjoys spending time on his farm in Budhana.
Accolades
Siddiqui’s first lead role in Patang was praised by Roger Ebert, who awarded the film 4/4 stars. He received the Special Jury Award at the 60th National Film Awards in 2012 for his performances in Kahaani, Gangs of Wasseypur, Dekh Indian Circus, and Talaash.