Nawazuddin Siddiqui, known for his stellar performances in cult classics like Gangs of Wasseypur, has a lesser-known role in Bollywood — that of an acting mentor. Before rising to fame as one of Indian cinema’s most versatile actors, Nawazuddin briefly worked behind the scenes, helping aspiring actors find their footing — including none other than Ranveer Singh.
Yes, before Ranveer burst onto the screen with his electrifying performance in Band Baaja Baaraat (2010), Nawazuddin had taken him under his wing for acting workshops. Speaking in a recent interview with Pinkvilla, Nawazuddin confirmed, “Yes, I trained him for a while. Back then, I was the guy people came to for acting workshops. Anyone preparing for a film debut would often come to me.”
But when asked whether he takes any credit for Ranveer’s success, Nawazuddin gave a humble and insightful response. “Ranveer is an excellent actor in his own right. Acting can’t be handed over like a formula — it’s something you have to tap into within yourself. Sure, you can be guided, shown techniques, but the journey is ultimately yours to take,” he explained.
Currently, both actors are busy with ambitious new projects. Nawazuddin stars in Costao, a ZEE5 biographical drama directed by Sejal Shah. He plays Costao Fernandes, a customs officer from Goa who risks everything to take down a gold smuggling syndicate. The film also features Priya Bapat, Kishore, Hussain Dalal, and Mahika Sharma in pivotal roles.
Meanwhile, Ranveer Singh is shooting for Dhurandhar, a high-stakes spy thriller directed by Aditya Dhar. Set in the world of Indian intelligence, Ranveer reportedly plays a R&AW officer. The film boasts an impressive ensemble cast including Sanjay Dutt, R. Madhavan, Arjun Rampal, and Akshaye Khanna.
From training newcomers to becoming powerhouses in their own right, both Nawazuddin and Ranveer continue to push boundaries in Indian cinema.
