Siddiqui’s 51st birthday is a perfect time to celebrate the powerful roles that made him one of Indian cinema’s finest actors.
In today’s glamour-driven cinematic landscape, it’s rare to find an actor who shines without glitz. Yet, Nawazuddin Siddiqui has carved out a distinct and powerful presence in Indian cinema with his raw performances, unassuming simplicity, and unwavering dedication to the craft. Rising from humble beginnings and small roles to becoming a critically acclaimed lead in some of India’s most celebrated films, Siddiqui’s journey is nothing short of inspirational. As the versatile actor turns 51 today, it's the perfect moment to revisit some of his most iconic roles that shaped his career.
The list simply wouldn’t be complete without starting with ‘Gangs of Wasseypur’! Directed by Anurag Kashyap, this epic black comedy crime saga is a milestone in Indian cinema — and Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s portrayal of Faizal Khan stands out as one of the most unforgettable performances of his career. As Faizal transforms from a quiet, reserved youth into a cold-blooded gangster, Siddiqui captures every shade of the character with remarkable depth. The film earned him a nomination for the IIFA Award for Best Supporting Actor and he won the prestigious National Film Award in the Special Jury category.
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Directed by Akshat Ajay Sharma, ‘Haddi’ is a gripping crime drama featuring Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Anurag Kashyap, and Ila Arun in significant roles. The film showcases one of Nawazuddin’s boldest performances to date, as he takes on a challenging double role — including that of a transgender character, Haddi/Harika — delivering a portrayal that pushes boundaries and highlights his incredible versatility.
‘Manjhi – The Mountain Man’ is a biographical drama inspired by the extraordinary life of Dashrath Manjhi. Directed by Ketan Mehta, the film features Nawazuddin Siddiqui in the titular role, portraying the man who famously carved a road through a mountain with his bare hands to connect his remote village to the nearest town. Nawaz’s portrayal is both powerful and moving, showing the unwavering spirit, grit, and emotional depth of a man who challenged fate with sheer determination.
Chand Nawab is undoubtedly one of Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s most memorable and widely appreciated roles. Portraying a Pakistani news reporter in ‘Bajrangi Bhaijaan,’ Nawaz infused the character with warmth, adding depth and emotional resonance to an already emotional film. His nuanced performance not only provided comic relief but also struck an emotional chord with audiences. For his role, he received multiple nominations, including Best Supporting Actor and Best Performance in a Comic Role at the International Indian Film Academy Awards, as well as a Producers Guild nomination for Best Actor in a Supporting Role.
Directed by Ashim Ahluwalia, ‘Miss Lovely’ dives into the dark underbelly of Mumbai's C-grade film industry. Nawazuddin Siddiqui takes on the role of Sonu Duggal, a troubled and self-destructive young man navigating a world of exploitation and moral decay. The film earned critical acclaim, winning the National Film Award – Special Jury Award (Feature Film) and Best Production Design at the 61st National Film Awards. It also marked a significant moment in Siddiqui’s career, as he, along with the cast, represented the film at the Cannes Film Festival, where it was screened in the prestigious Un Certain Regard section.
