Gangs Of Wasseypur To Haddi: 7 Iconic Roles That Cemented Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s Legacy

Nawazuddin Siddiqui is celebrated as one of the finest actors in Indian cinema — an artist whose talent, versatility, and raw screen presence have redefined acting standards in Bollywood.

Nawazuddin Siddiqui is celebrated as one of the finest actors in Indian cinema.

Manjhi: The Mountain Man – Sheer Grit and Resilience As Dashrath Manjhi: in Manjhi: The Mountain Man, Nawazuddin embodied resilience and determination, portraying the inspiring true story of a villager who carved a path through a mountain. His emotionally raw performance elevated the film to a moving cinematic experience. (All Image: Special Arrangement)

Over the years, he has effortlessly transitioned between intense villains, layered protagonists, and tender, understated characters, leaving audiences captivated with every performance.

Kick – The Stylish Villain: In Kick, Nawazuddin Siddiqui mesmerized audiences as Shiv Gajra, a suave yet menacing antagonist. His sharp dialogue delivery and chilling expressions elevated the film’s stakes, making his character unforgettable in the Salman Khan-starrer blockbuster.

Gangs of Wasseypur – The Rise of Faizal Khan: In Anurag Kashyap’s cult classic Gangs of Wasseypur, Nawazuddin as Faizal Khan stunned with his journey from a timid, overlooked son to a feared gangster. This role catapulted him to stardom, solidifying his reputation for bringing complexity and realism to even the darkest characters.

Raees – A Witty Cop with Charisma: In Raees, Nawazuddin’s Jaideep Majmudar was a sharp, quick-witted cop who held his ground opposite Shah Rukh Khan’s titular character. His performance added balance and bite to the high-voltage drama, leaving a lasting impression.

Talaash: The Answer Lies Within – Vulnerability Personified: In Talaash, Nawazuddin played Tehmur, a desperate and vulnerable man caught in a web of mystery. Sharing screen space with Aamir Khan, his raw and layered performance added immense depth to the psychological thriller.

Haddi – A Groundbreaking Transformation: In Haddi, Nawazuddin delivered one of his most daring performances, portraying a transgender character with extraordinary emotional depth and authenticity. His physical and psychological transformation was remarkable, proving his commitment to pushing boundaries as an actor.

Photograph – Subtlety at Its Best: In Photograph, Nawazuddin portrayed Rafi, a shy street photographer who forms an unlikely bond with a stranger. His understated performance captured the quiet emotions of a man navigating love and loneliness, making it a gem in his filmography.