Mumbai: On his 50th birthday today, 19 May 2025, acclaimed actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui voiced intense criticism of the Bollywood film industry in an interview with SCREEN’s Creators X Creators segment. Known for his candid opinions, Siddiqui expressed deep frustration over what he described as the lack of genuine relationships and widespread insecurity among actors.
Reflecting on his journey as an outsider in the industry, Siddiqui said there are no true friendships in Bollywood, and the existing relationships are driven by convenience and personal gain. He added that any friendships he still values are from his early struggles, not his time in the industry.
The actor went on to say that insecurity among actors prevents any real unity or loyalty in the Hindi film community, leading to a fragmented and untrustworthy environment. He pointed out the existence of an exclusive inner circle that remains disconnected from the rest of the fraternity. Beyond personal dynamics, Siddiqui also took issue with casting decisions in Bollywood, arguing that untrained and unreliable actors are often forced into roles they aren’t prepared for simply because of popularity or connections.
According to him, this results in audiences becoming accustomed to subpar performances over time while genuinely talented and deserving actors are relegated to minor or supporting roles.
Comparing Bollywood to other film industries prioritizing professionalism and skill, Siddiqui criticized the system for undermining quality and failing to recognize merit. His remarks reflect long-standing concerns about nepotism, lack of recognition for talent, and the dominance of superficial relationships in the Indian film world.
As one of the most respected character actors in contemporary cinema, Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s comments once again spotlight the challenges faced by outsiders and skilled performers in an industry often driven by appearances rather than ability.
