Nawazuddin Siddiqui

Nawazuddin Siddiqui is an Indian actor who primarily works in Hindi language cinema. He is widely recognized for his performances in both mainstream feature films and independent cinema. Over his career, he has received numerous honors, including a National Film Award, a Filmfare Award, an IIFA Award, and a nomination for an International Emmy Award.

Born on 19 May 1974 in Budhana, located in the Muzaffarnagar district of Uttar Pradesh, India, Siddiqui grew up as the eldest of eight siblings in a zamindari family. He spent much of his youth in Uttarakhand. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from Gurukul Kangri University in Haridwar and worked as a chemist in Vadodara for a year before relocating to Delhi. Intrigued by acting after watching a play, he performed in over ten stage productions with friends to meet the entrance criteria for the National School of Drama in New Delhi, graduating in 1999.

Following graduation, Siddiqui moved to Mumbai to pursue acting. He made his feature film debut in 1999 with a brief appearance in Sarfarosh, followed by small roles in films such as Shool, Jungle, and Munna Bhai M.B.B.S. During his early years in Mumbai, he faced financial difficulties, held acting workshops to support himself, and temporarily lived with a senior schoolmate in exchange for cooking meals. He gained initial industry recognition for his performance in Black Friday and later appeared in Dev D and New York.

Siddiqui achieved broader visibility through his role as a reporter in the 2010 film Peepli Live, followed by acclaim for his work in Patang: The Kite. His breakthrough continued with key roles in Kahaani, the Gangs of Wasseypur films, and Miss Lovely. In 2013, he starred in The Lunchbox, which won him the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor, alongside receiving a Special Jury Award at the 2012 National Film Awards for his cumulative work.

He solidified his mainstream presence as an antagonist in Kick and earned further praise for roles in Bajrangi Bhaijaan, Manjhi – The Mountain Man, Raman Raghav 2.0, Raees, Mom, and Manto. His performances in Raman Raghav 2.0 and Manto earned him Best Actor honors at the Asia Pacific Screen Awards. Siddiqui also expanded into digital streaming platforms, starring in the Emmy-nominated series Sacred Games and McMafia, as well as the international production No Land's Man.

His later work includes roles in Heropanti 2, Afwaah, Jogira Sara Ra Ra, Tiku Weds Sheru, Thamma, Raat Akeli Hai: The Bansal Murders, and Main Actor Nahin Hoon. Off-screen, Siddiqui resides in Mumbai with his director brother and spends his personal time maintaining a farm in his hometown of Budhana. He has been married twice and is the father of two children.