Nawazuddin Siddiqui recently opened up about the discrimination he has faced in Bollywood due to his dark complexion, questioning what more he could have achieved if he were fair-skinned.
Facing Prejudice and Industry Hurdles
Known for his candid nature, Nawazuddin Siddiqui didn’t hold back in a recent interview, discussing the long-standing societal judgment on his looks and complexion. He also touched upon the reluctance of filmmakers to invest significant budgets in movies starring him, and the challenges of securing adequate screen distribution for his films, citing his 2016 movie *Raman Raghav 2.0* as an example.
The Divide Between “Public” and “Industry” Actors
Nawazuddin expressed that he has no fear of commercial or critical failure. He believes actors from privileged backgrounds often get endless chances, unlike those without a strong industry support system.
He drew a clear distinction between two types of actors: those valued by the public and those favored by the industry. Films starring “industry” actors, even if not widely popular, receive extensive releases. In contrast, films with “public” actors, despite high audience interest, are often limited to a few screens and inconvenient showtimes.
Budget Barriers for Acclaimed Talent
Siddiqui revealed a startling truth about budget limitations for celebrated actors like Naseeruddin Shah, Om Puri, Irrfan Khan, Manoj Bajpayee, and himself. He stated that films featuring these highly respected actors rarely exceed a budget of Rs 25 crore.
He highlighted that despite their immense talent and critical acclaim, they are often overlooked for big-budget productions. He specifically mentioned Irrfan Khan, noting that even he, a globally recognized talent, wasn’t frequently cast in films with budgets over Rs 20-25 crore.
The Struggle for Screen Space
Beyond budget, Nawazuddin emphasized the critical issue of screen distribution. He explained that even if audiences genuinely want to watch their films, they often don’t get enough screens in theaters.
He recalled the initial backlash and limited release of his film *Raman Raghav 2.0*. Despite its initial struggles, the film later found its audience and received widespread appreciation when it became available on OTT platforms, proving his point about audience demand versus industry distribution.
“If I were fair, what more could I have done?”
The actor shared that he continues to face judgment for his appearance, particularly from society. In his early days, many told him he didn’t “look like an actor,” which disheartened him.
Reflecting on his journey, he poignantly asked, “I am dark, still reached till here, imagine what all I could have done if I was fair.” This statement encapsulates his ongoing battle against racial discrimination in the industry and beyond.
- Nawazuddin Siddiqui highlights a significant disparity in opportunities for actors based on their background and appearance.
- He points out that acclaimed actors like him, Naseeruddin Shah, and Irrfan Khan often face budget and screen distribution limitations.
- Despite achieving success, he continues to encounter prejudice regarding his dark complexion.
Nawazuddin Siddiqui was last seen in the Zee5 film *Costao*, continuing to deliver impactful performances despite the challenges he candidly discusses.
