Nawazuddin Siddiqui: I like to play grey characters; they are neither all black nor all white

Who had ever thought that an average looking, raw-boned lad, who played a blink-and-you-miss-it part in Aamir Khan’s Sarfarosh, would go on to emerge as one of the most sought-after actors in Hindi cinema one day? Yes, we are talking about the immensely talented Nawazuddin Siddiqui . The actor has proved that if one decides to change his fortune with sheer hard work and dedication, nothing is impossible. After winning an array of accolades for his performances in films like Gangs Of Wasseypur, Talaash, Raman Raghav 2.0 and Raees, the actor is coming up with a string of films this year, Mom being the first in the list. As Nawaz gears himself for the release of his next, BollywoodMDB.com reporter, Mohnish Singh, sits down with the actor for a fun-filled conversation on the film. Excerpts...

This is the first time when you are working with an iconic actresses like Sridevi in your upcoming film Mom. How has been the whole experience?

One thing which I most liked about her is that she has a lot of patience. There is not an ounce of doubt that she has infinite passion for cinema and films, but her patience level is of different level. No matter whether there is a gap of two hours or three hours between two shots, she always remains in her character, while lighting and other things are being worked out on the set. She is very hardworking and consistent, and does not take things for granted. These are some of the things which make me her fan.

The trailer of the film looks very intriguing and full of mystery. What’s Mom going to offer to the audience in terms of content?

See, as the trailer itself makes it clear that Mom is a suspense, thriller film, so I cannot reveal much about it. Having said that, Mom is also a mother-daughter film and there are a lot of emotions involved. You will get to see some of the best performances in this movie. Besides outstanding performances, the film has an amazing subject, too.

Brief us about your character in the movie.

I'm playing Dayashankar Kapoor in the film. He is known as DK. He is a very cunning person. You must have come across many people in your life who look ordinary, but they can take you in their confidence within blink of an eye. After a while, even you start believing that they can do anything. DK is just like that. He lives in Daryaganj (Delhi) and looks like any ordinary person. You won't even look at him because there is nothing so peculiar about him. But beneath his ordinariness, there is a shrewd and cunning mind.

Have you ever come across a person like him?

Thousand times! I have seen countless people like him.

How difficult was it for you to don your look in the film?

It used to take me two hours to get ready despite the fact that we did not use any prosthetic to get the look right. I had to just shave my head and then wear a wig. Some changes were made in my teeth. Just it.

Your four films, Mom, Munna Michael, Bahumoshai Bandookbaaz and Manto, are lined up for release in next few months. In all four films you are seen in different avatars. Basically, is there any particular kind of characters which you like to portray onscreen?

I sign up for only those films where I enjoy doing my character. Why would I do a film if I don't like my character? I like to play grey characters. I don't like to play a typical hero who is an epitome of everything good. I don't like such characters. I won't play the typical Bollywood villain, either, who is thoroughly evil. I like to play characters that are confluence of both, positivity and negativity. That’s why I like to play grey characters; they are neither all black nor all white.

So, do you consciously try to find out that kind of characters?

Of course, I consciously try to find out that kind of characters, because they have a hell lot of scope for performance.

How has been your relationship with your Mom in real life? How was she?

Everybody's Mom is good in real life. Every child shares a cordial and loving relationship with his or her mother.

You have danced in Munna Michael for the first time. How has been the experience?

It was an extremely scary experience (laughs). I had never danced before, not even in real life. But the director and producer of this film somehow made me dance despite my relentless requests. But once I got the moves right, I started enjoying. Now I think I should keep doing a dance film once in a while.

You are a busy actor, which means a lot of pressure. So, how do you unwind yourself after a tiring day at shoot?

My whole world revolves around films. When I need to distress myself, I talk about acting and cinema, with friends and family. For the last many years, it has been the same way. I have played no other game in my life except acting.

In a recent interview you said you would not do a film like Baahubali. Why?

Who would make such a lavish film for me (laughs)? Baahubali is a film which is made on a magnificent scale. Everything is big and lavish in it. It shows how a hero’s character is built and shown on the screen. Its budget is humongous. You need to have that charisma in you to be able to do such kind of films, which, I think, I don't have.

How do you drive away your limitations as an actor?

See, every character brings along certain kind of limitations. If there is no limitation, you don't feel challenged as an actor. Fun is doing roles which seem difficult and challenging. When you overcome all challenges certain characters bring along, you feel triumphant. In the process, you don't even know when you drove away all your limitations.

Directed by Ravi Udyawar, Mom releases on 7th July.