Nawazuddin Siddiqui Calls Out Bollywood’s Beauty Bias

At the Cinevesture International Film Festival, Nawazuddin Siddiqui opens up about decades of rejection and the industry’s obsession with ‘heroic looks,’ while embracing his identity as the face of everyday India.

Nawazuddin Siddiqui, renowned for his raw and powerful performances in acclaimed films like Gangs of Wasseypur, Manto, and Manjhi: The Mountain Man, has carved a unique place for himself in Indian cinema. Yet, despite his undeniable talent and critical acclaim, Siddiqui has frequently faced discrimination in the industry—primarily due to his appearance.

Speaking candidly at the Cinevesture International Film Festival, Siddiqui addressed the bias he has endured for not fitting Bollywood’s stereotypical idea of a leading man. Reflecting on his early days, he revealed how industry insiders often dismissed him purely because of how he looked.

“I used to get angry,” he admitted. “You’d walk into someone’s office, introduce yourself as an actor, and they’d ask, ‘Who are you?’ I’d say, ‘I’m an actor,’ and they’d shoot back, ‘But you don’t look like one.’”

The actor, known for his humility and wit, challenged this perception with a sharp observation. “People label me as unconventional looking. Bhai, how am I unconventional when crores of people in India look like me? I’m conventional. It’s Hrithik Roshan who’s unconventional!” he quipped, drawing laughter and applause from the audience.

Siddiqui went on to share amusing and eye-opening anecdotes that underline his point. He recounted an incident from the set of Talaash, where a security guard stopped him, mistaking him for an outsider. “It still happens,” he said, adding that during the shoot of Raat Akeli Hai Part 2, his director Honey Trehan once struggled to find him on set because Siddiqui had blended so seamlessly with the crew.

But rather than letting these experiences dampen his spirit, Siddiqui takes pride in his ability to merge with the crowd. “I like it,” he said with a smile. “My personality allows me to disappear when I want to, and I use that to my advantage.”

Over the years, Siddiqui’s refusal to conform to Bollywood’s conventional beauty standards has made him a symbol of relatability for millions of Indians. His honesty about the prejudices he faced—and his unapologetic embrace of who he is—continues to inspire aspiring actors and audiences alike.

At a time when conversations around representation and inclusivity in cinema are gaining momentum, Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s voice serves as a powerful reminder: talent should never be judged by appearance.