New Delhi: Nawazuddin Siddiqui has charmed the audience with his impeccable performances over the years. With a diverse filmography and memorable cameo appearances, Nawazuddin has undoubtedly carved out his niche as one of the finest and most refined actors of his generation.
In an old interview, Kabir Khan nostalgically recalled an incident from the set of his 2009 film New York, where Irrfan Khan praised Nawazuddin's performance.
Kabir Khan talks about Nawazuddin Siddiqui
Kabir shared how Nawazuddin’s performance had brought tears to Irrfan’s eyes, with everyone on set praising Nawaz for his shot. "Ali Abbas Zafar was my assistant director on New York. He showed me Nawazuddin’s audition. I said, 'Do anything, but we have to get this guy.'"
Kabir further added, "It’s a non-stop 3-4 minute take, and I never did another take because when I said cut, some of the crew were crying, and some were clapping. I remember Irrfan walking in half an hour later, and he said everyone’s talking about Nawaz’s performance."
"It was quite an intense scene, and Nawaz just did it in one shot, which proves what an impactful and method actor he is. He is simply natural. Delivering a scene that is 3-4 minutes nonstop and intense doesn't come easy, but that is what Nawaz is all about, an actor par excellence. Everyone was spellbound by his acting chops and his ability to nail a scene," Kabir Khan revealed.
Nawazuddin played Zilgai in New York, a man who was arrested after 9/11 on suspicion and tortured while in custody. Though he is eventually freed, he is left scarred by the events.
The director also added, "I took Irrfan to the monitor and played it, and as he was watching, tears streamed down his face. He went and hugged Nawaz."
About New York
'New York' is a 2009 Indian Hindi-language thriller directed by Kabir Khan and produced by Aditya Chopra under Yash Raj Films. Starring John Abraham, Katrina Kaif, Neil Nitin Mukesh, and Irrfan Khan, the film revolves around three friends studying at the fictional New York State University. Their carefree and pleasant lives are drastically altered by the September 11 attacks and its aftermath.
Released on 26 June 2009, 'New York' was a commercial success, becoming the sixth-highest-grossing Hindi film of the year. Critics praised the film for its direction, screenplay, and cast performances, particularly those of Abraham, Kaif, and Neil.
About Nawazuddin Siddiqui
From his breakout role in Gangs of Wasseypur to his critically acclaimed performances in The Lunchbox, Manjhi: The Mountain Man, and the Netflix series Sacred Games, Nawazuddin has consistently delivered memorable and powerful portrayals.