From Carrying Suitcases to Stardom: Anurag Kashyap Recalls Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s Struggling Days

The acclaimed filmmaker shares how he first met Nawazuddin Siddiqui during Rajpal Yadav’s tough time and how the actor’s journey evolved from a humble beginning to a breakthrough in Bollywood.

Anurag Kashyap, a leading figure in Hindi cinema, began his career in 1998 as a co-writer for Ram Gopal Varma’s Satya. By 1999, he had written dialogues for the movie Shool, and now, he’s remembered not just for his films but for the countless talents he has helped elevate. In a recent interview with Rkz Theater on YouTube, Kashyap shared a touching story from his early career, revealing how he first crossed paths with actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui—long before the actor achieved fame.

Kashyap reminisced about meeting Nawazuddin at a railway station, where the young actor was accompanying comedian Rajpal Yadav, who had fallen on hard times and was preparing to leave Mumbai. According to Kashyap, Rajpal Yadav had become disheartened and was on the verge of giving up. The meeting was arranged by actor Ashraf Ulhaq, who recommended Rajpal to Kashyap for a small role in Shool. But it was Nawazuddin, who was carrying Rajpal’s suitcase, that left an impression on the filmmaker.

Recalling the moment, Kashyap explained, “Nawaz approached me and said he had no money for food and would do anything for a role.” Touched by his determination, Kashyap offered Siddiqui a small part—a waiter in a scene with Manoj Bajpayee and Raveena Tandon. “If you look closely, you’ll see how thin he was at the time,” Kashyap added, describing the actor’s struggling days.

In Shool, Ram Gopal Varma’s production directed by Eeshwar Nivas, Manoj Bajpayee played Samar Pratap Singh, an honest police officer, with Raveena Tandon portraying his wife. Rajpal Yadav’s cameo role was of a coolie, marking a turning point in his career. Meanwhile, Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s first steps in Bollywood were marked by this minor role, but his perseverance and talent soon led to bigger opportunities.

Years later, Nawazuddin’s breakthrough came with Kashyap’s Gangs of Wasseypur, where he portrayed Faizal Khan, cementing his place in the industry. Before this, Siddiqui had taken on small roles in films such as Munna Bhai MBBS, Black Friday, Jungle, and Sarfarosh. However, it was his portrayal of Faizal Khan in Gangs of Wasseypur 2 that propelled him into the spotlight.

Since then, Nawazuddin has gone on to star in acclaimed films like Bajrangi Bhaijaan, Kick, Manto, Raees, Badlapur, and The Lunchbox. His versatility as an actor has earned him recognition across genres, from commercial blockbusters to arthouse cinema. Most recently, he appeared in the supernatural thriller Adbhut.

The story of Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s rise from a struggling actor to one of Bollywood’s most respected talents is a testament to his grit, determination, and undeniable skill.