Nawazuddin Siddiqui is known for speaking his mind, and the actor has taken aim at the changing face of Bollywood this time. While promoting his latest indie film Main Actor Nahin Hoon, the actor opened up about why he feels disconnected from today’s commercial cinema culture.
The actor made it clear that he still chooses films based on instinct and storytelling instead of box office calculations. Nawazuddin Siddiqui said his latest project helped him reconnect with the actor inside him at a time when the industry is chasing formulas and spectacle-heavy entertainment.
Nawazuddin Siddiqui Says Bollywood Has Lost Originality
Directed by Aditya Kripalani, Main Actor Nahin Hoon revolves around a depressed banker who dreams of becoming an actor. The film stands in sharp contrast to big-budget masala entertainers dominating theatres today.
Speaking candidly about the industry, Nawazuddin Siddiqui said to mid-day, “There is a lot of calculation now – how much a film will earn, how many people it will reach. But this film is not for financial benefit, it’s for the benefit of the actor in me.”
He further added, “I didn’t come into films because I wanted a fan club. This is my personal journey. To satisfy the audience, you have to keep doing one kind of character. I can’t do that. If you love me, you will have to watch different characters.”
The actor also expressed disappointment over Bollywood’s growing obsession with spectacle over storytelling. He said, “Earlier, more films were being made, so people were taking more risks. Now, few films are being made, and because of that, actors suffer too. What has happened to our industry is pathetic. Everything has become about spectacle. It’s no longer about the story. There is no originality in the industry. One thing becomes successful, then everyone starts making the same thing.”
Nawazuddin Siddiqui Still Believes Cinema Can Change
Despite his criticism, the actor remains hopeful about the future of cinema. According to him, one strong film can completely change an era. He explained, “Every era changes because of one film or one piece of art. Sometimes weak phases come, and then strong films change the era again. That cycle will continue.”
The actor also praised Malayalam cinema for balancing stardom with meaningful storytelling. He said Kerala’s film industry is producing intelligent small-budget films where even major stars work for creative satisfaction.
Nawazuddin’s Advice For Daughter Shora
Nawazuddin Siddiqui also opened up about his daughter Shora, who is reportedly preparing for her acting debut in Arijit Singh’s directorial venture. Sharing the advice he gives her, the actor said, “I keep nudging her to do acting courses. The best way to be a good actor is to broaden your horizon. I send her different films to watch so that the scope of her worldview is much larger.”
His Work Front
Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s latest release is the indie drama Main Actor Nahin Hoon, which arrived in theatres on May 8, 2026. Directed by Aditya Kripalani, the film was extensively shot in Frankfurt, Germany, and tells the emotional story of a retired banker who dreams of becoming an actor.
Made on a modest budget of around Rs 1.5 crore, the film has already grabbed attention for its unusual filmmaking style. Many scenes were reportedly performed live through video calls, giving the drama a raw and experimental feel.
Before this, Nawazuddin Siddiqui appeared in projects like Raat Akeli Hai: The Bansal Murders and the horror-fantasy film Thama. The actor continues to balance mainstream and offbeat cinema with ease.
His upcoming lineup is equally exciting. Nawazuddin Siddiqui is officially part of Tumbbad 2, one of the most anticipated sequels in Indian cinema. The film is scheduled to release on December 3, 2027, and will reportedly feature the actor in a layered and intense role alongside Sohum Shah.
Apart from that, he also has The Great Escape: Faraar, where he is expected to play a physics teacher, along with films like Section 108, Noorani Chehra, Blind Babu and the Indian adaptation of the hit medical drama House.
