From Chemistry to Curtain Calls: Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s Theatrical Journey
The acclaimed actor reflects on his transformative path from science student to stage performer, emphasizing the undistracted dedication of his early theater days.
Nawazuddin Siddiqui, renowned for his compelling performances in Hindi cinema, recently delved into the pivotal experiences that steered him from the world of science to the realm of acting. In an interview, Siddiqui recounted his initial foray into theater, a decision that marked a significant departure from his academic background.
“I was a science student and also working in a chemical factory,” Siddiqui shared. “Then, someone showed me theatre, and I decided that I would do theatre. I quit my job and started doing theatre full-time, and that too in Gujarati.”
His theatrical pursuits began with Gujarati plays, where he undertook minor roles in several major productions. Encouraged to explore Hindi theater, Siddiqui’s journey led him to Lucknow and eventually to the National School of Drama (NSD) in Delhi for formal training. Reflecting on that era, he noted the absence of modern distractions, highlighting how the lack of internet allowed for undivided focus on honing his craft.
“I remember that at that time, everyone connected to theatre kept practicing theatre, not getting stuck on their phones, which is something you don’t see today,” he remarked. “So, thank God, we were from a time when there was no internet and all these distractions.”
A significant milestone in Siddiqui’s development was his encounter with Russian theater director Valentin Teplyakov during his third year at NSD. Teplyakov’s method acting techniques profoundly influenced Siddiqui’s approach to portraying intense and complex characters.
Currently, Siddiqui is preparing for “Raat Akeli Hai 2,” the sequel to the 2020 suspense drama. This project marks his second collaboration with director Honey Trehan, promising audiences another gripping performance.
