Nawazuddin Siddiqui's early 2010s run was packed with gems—powerful roles in films that many have now forgotten.
Every now and then, I stumble upon posts, articles, and videos that point out Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s blink-and-miss roles from the past—like the pickpocket in 'Munna Bhai MBBS' or that informer in 'Sarfarosh'. We all saw him, we liked his presence, but we never paused to ask, “Who is this guy?” And now, looking back, it feels like a fun discovery.
However, it's important to understand that we usually highlight those roles because they were part of big, mainstream films with superstars and strong studio backing. What about the time when Siddiqui was carrying entire films on his shoulders—films that were small, indie, and mostly flew under the radar? In the early 2010s, both before and after 'Gangs of Wasseypur' turned heads, he was doing powerful work in quiet corners of Hindi cinema. Films that didn’t scream for attention, didn’t have glossy promotions but had stories that mattered—and a performer who gave it his all.
Credit: nawazuddin_siddiqui
Sadly, many of those films are still hidden in the shadows. They didn’t ride on his fame later, the way early films of other stars often do. So today, on Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s birthday, let’s hit rewind and celebrate those forgotten indie gems where he truly shined.
Nandita Das’s 'Firaaq' explored the raw wounds of the 2002 Gujarat riots through interwoven stories. Siddiqui played Hanif, a Muslim man haunted by fear in a divided city. Looking back, his performance feels like a masterclass in restraint—twitchy glances and slumped shoulders spoke louder than words. Unlike Bollywood’s usual melodramas at that time, his silences carried the weight of betrayal. The film’s stark, episodic style ditched Bollywood’s song-dance for gritty realism, and Siddiqui’s brief but piercing role grounded its emotional core. It was indie cinema at its boldest, proving he could steal scenes without a single hero moment.
MUST WATCH TONIGHT at 7 pm on @DDNational -#Firaaq - political thriller film directed by @nanditadas with Naseeruddin Shah, Deepti Naval, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Inaamulhaq, Nassar, Paresh Rawal, Sanjay Suri, Raghubir Yadav, Shahana Goswami, Amruta Subhash and Tisca Chopra. pic.twitter.com/19PE4DbdJb
— Doordarshan National दूरदर्शन नेशनल (@DDNational) September 19, 2019
Credit: Doordarshan National दूरदर्शन नेशनल
Anusha Rizvi’s 'Peepli Live' was a sharp satire on India’s media frenzy, where a farmer’s suicide plan became a national circus. Siddiqui played Rakesh, a sleazy journalist chasing headlines with sweaty ambition. His shifty eyes and sly grins made every scene a riot, blending humor with a tragic hunger for relevance. Far from Bollywood’s noble reporters, Rakesh was a flawed, hilarious vulture. The film’s dusty, deadpan vibe mocked mainstream escapism, and Siddiqui’s jittery energy was the perfect spark in its chaotic narrative. It was a wake-up call that had you laughing and wincing, with Siddiqui as its highlight.
Bedabrata Pain’s 'Chittagong' revisited the 1930s Chittagong Uprising, where teens challenged the British Raj. Siddiqui played Nirmal Sen, a revolutionary mentor torn between fire and doubt. His lean frame and intense gaze burned with passion, but subtle cracks of vulnerability made him human. Unlike Bollywood’s chest-thumping patriots, his Nirmal was real—a leader with fears. The film’s quiet, introspective tone swapped flag-waving for raw rebellion, and his layered act lifted it to new heights. It was a history lesson that felt alive.
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Ashim Ahluwalia’s 'Miss Lovely' plunged into the sleazy 1980s world of C-grade Bollywood movies. Siddiqui played Sonu Duggal, a producer caught in love, betrayal, and shady deals. His twitchy moves and haunted eyes painted a dreamer sinking in moral muck, and a heartbreak scene where his voice cracked was pure magic. Bollywood loved shiny heroes; Siddiqui gave a tragic antihero you could smell the cheap cologne on. The film’s grainy, unpolished look laughed at mainstream gloss, and his raw performance, lauded at Cannes, was its heart. It was dirty, dazzling, and totally unique.
Credit: Beekays Movies
Buddhadeb Dasgupta’s 'Anwar Ka Ajab Kissa' followed Anwar, a Kolkata detective whose mundane cases turned into quirky life lessons. Siddiqui was the soul of this whimsical tale, blending deadpan humor with soulful depth. His soft-spoken musings on trust carried a lifetime of letdowns, making Anwar a lovable oddball—part sleuth, part poet. The film’s dreamy, offbeat vibe defied formulaic norms, and his charm made it a cozy, unforgettable ride. It was like sipping chai on a rainy day.
Credit: Eros Now Music
On Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s birthday, here’s hoping he returns to those raw, unfiltered avatars that would make us fall in love with his craft all over again.
