Won’t do second lead anymore: Nawazuddin Siddiqui

After earning accolades for his portrayal of an arrogant intelligence officer in Kahaani, actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui says he is looking forward to move away from supporting roles in his upcoming films.

Siddiqui, 38, is known for playing diverse roles to perfection in films Black Friday, Peepli Live, New York, Paan Singh Tomar. The actor is surprised that his supporting role in Kahaani was noticed by the audience and the critics alike.

“I didn’t realise the character of Khan will get such a heartwarming response. Now that this has happened, I will only go forward. I am playing the lead in upcoming films like Monsoon Shootout, Dekh Indian Circus, Patang, Miss Lovely and I want to continue doing lead roles. I don’t want to play supporting characters anymore,” Siddiqui said.

Siddiqui has often been told that he does not have the qualities of a typical Bollywood hero, be it a great physique or good looks, but he says things are changing with new directors.

“I am shy and have been told that I am not good looking and do not have the body builder-type physique — the typical Bollywood hero image. In the industry there are certain actors who will play the lead, there are some actors who will always play supporting roles and some villains. I wonder why acting does not count. But I am glad that there are directors who are bringing a change,” he said.

“Looks are a factor only in Bollywood. They are hung up on fair skin, great body, height. In Hollywood acting comes first. My 2003 film Bypass won a Bafta in the short film category and the director told me that I was very popular among the teenagers in Britain,” he added.

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