"I am not dependent on that, and neither do I want to be."
Indian actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui has opened up about his views on Hollywood and despite receiving offers from the west, they have not “materialised.”
The 46-year-old actor has starred in several films and won numerous accolades. However, he wishes to change one thing about Bollywood – the validation from the west. He said:
“Yes, I want to change one thing, the name ‘Bollywood’ itself. Yeh jo udhaar ka naam le rakha hai, sabse pehle humein yeh badalna chahiye.”
Nawazuddin Siddiqui continued to mention the influence of the west on Bollywood. He explained:
“Yes, this is a fact. A lot of my films would go to international festivals, and even get awards, but when they would release here, they wouldn’t get much response. It’s only when they get the validation from West.”
Nawazuddin went on to give the example of his recent release, Serious Men (2020). The film received praise from both viewers and critics. He said:
“Thank God, we got such a great response, and it connected with people, but if it wouldn’t have, we would have had doubts ‘yeh kya ho gaya’.
“Then when it would have got some award in the west, it would have been termed good here too. Yeh cheez toh hai, but fortunately it didn’t happen with Serious Men.
“People are liking it here. The validation is needed, especially from the west, and it hasn’t changed.”
The actor has also starred in the international show, McMafia (2018) and Lunchbox (2013) alongside the late Irrfan Khan which became popular in India and abroad.
Nawazuddin Siddiqui also revealed whether he has received offers from Hollywood saying:
“Offers do come, but it’s just not materialising.”
“Aisa nahi hai ki mara jaa raha hoon, ya thappa laega unka tab jaake actor kehlaunga.
“I am not dependent on that, and neither do I want to be. I want my films to go to the west and tell them that we are no less.”
Speaking about his work in the Indian film industry, the actor said:
“The kind of work I am getting today, I shouldn’t complain, because that is the kind I wanted. I am happy, and I have no complaints, not with the industry or any person.
“Talent ki kadar bilkul hoti hai, if you are asking about my journey. If not today, then tomorrow, you will have to give your time, if you have passion. Talent is recognised someday.”
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