Nawazuddin Siddiqui has marked his presence as one of the leading and most talented actors in Bollywood. Every movie he has acted in is a piece of art in itself. However, his journey in Bollywood hasn’t been easy. He started with supporting roles that were just a few minutes long and even lost many projects. One such project was with Kamal Hassan. This project had a small role for Nawazuddin Siddiqui but a substantial one.
In an interview with Spotboye, Nawazuddin Siddiqui recalled the time when he was axed from Kamal Haasan’s Hey Ram, and how distraught he was about it. Nawaz said that Kamal’s daughter, Shruti Hassan, consoled him. He was quoted saying, “There were many incidents when I did small roles and then the role was edited out. But the one incident that stays with me involves one of my idols Kamal Haasan. I was his Hindi dialogue coach on his film Hey Ram (2000) which he directed and also played the lead. When Kamalji offered me a small role in Hey Ram I was as excited as a child. He is one of my idols alongside Dilip Kumar, Naseeruddin Shah, Anthony Hopkins and Denzel Washington. I’ve seen each and every film of theirs repeatedly.”
The roles which was offered to Nawaz turned out to be not so small. “It was actually a substantial role. I was supposed to be this victim of a mob attack whom Kamalji rescues.I was excited about this opportunity to share screen space with my idol,” said Nawazuddin.
When the role was deleted Nawaz was heartbroken. “I wept bitterly. I remember Kamalji’s daughter Shruti consoling me. Though Kamalji cut my role there was no illwill whatsoever in my heart. How could I be resentful? Kamalji is such a complete artist with his knowledge stretching far beyond.Unka toh mujhe naam bhil lene mein hichkichaahat hoti hai(I hesitate to even say his name).”
