From chemistry graduate to global screen icon: the unlikely rise of Nawazuddin Siddiqui
In short: Before becoming a celebrated actor, Nawazuddin Siddiqui was a chemist in Vadodara. After moving to Delhi and discovering theater, he spent years in Mumbai struggling to pay rent. Today, he is an internationally recognized talent, known for his transformative performances in acclaimed films and groundbreaking streaming series.
Born in 1974 in the small town of Budhana, Uttar Pradesh, Siddiqui’s path to stardom was far from conventional. After earning a Bachelor of Science in chemistry, he briefly worked in the chemical industry before a chance encounter with a play in Delhi ignited his passion for acting. He eventually graduated from the National School of Drama in 1999 and moved to Mumbai to pursue a career in film.
The early years in Mumbai were marked by extreme hardship. Between 2002 and 2005, Siddiqui faced significant unemployment, often sharing a small apartment with four others and surviving by teaching acting workshops. His breakthrough did not come until 2010, when his role in Peepli Live brought him wider recognition. This momentum accelerated in 2012, a pivotal year that saw him appear in Kahaani, the Gangs of Wasseypur duology, and Patang. His performance in Patang was particularly lauded by critic Roger Ebert, who noted that the role fundamentally altered the actor's approach to his craft.
Siddiqui’s career is defined by his versatility, moving seamlessly between supporting roles in blockbusters like Kick and Bajrangi Bhaijaan to complex leads in films like Manto and the series Sacred Games. His dedication has earned him numerous accolades, including a National Film Award and multiple Filmfare Awards. Despite his international success and Emmy-nominated work, he maintains a connection to his roots, frequently spending time at his farm in his hometown of Budhana.
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