Nawazuddin Siddiqui will only do lead roles now, ‘even if I have to pay for the films myself’

Nawazuddin Siddiqui has said that he will only do lead roles even if he has to fund his own films, adding that he need not be a hero but the role must be important in the narrative.

He has previously worked with Salman Khan in Kick and Bajrangi Bhaijaan and he also essayed an important part in Shah Rukh Khan’s Raees. However, he has not featured with big stars for a few years now. Except for a small role in Akshay Kumar’s Housefull 4, Nawazuddin has not been associated with star-driven film since Raees (2017).

Talking about it, Nawazuddin told DNA in an interview, “It’s not as if I don’t want to (work with Salman or Shah Rukh). If I get a strong role in a big film, I will do it like I have done earlier too. In this industry, the distinction between lead and side roles matter. In Europe or Hollywood, it does not matter. But here, supporting actors are relegated to secondary roles. I have somehow escaped that and I don’t want to repeat that. I will only do lead roles even if I have to invest money in the film myself.”

He added that he does not mean he will only play the roles of the hero. “Like I did Raees, my character was opposite Shah Rukh and it was important. I did Heropanti 2 even if it did not work, but my character was a major one there. It wasn’t as if it was a blink-and-you-miss it role in a big film. That is the kind of roles I look for in big films now,” he added.

Most recently seen in Sudhir Mishra’s Afwaah, Nawaazuddin is now promoting his next, Jogira Sa Ra Ra Ra. Directed by Kushan Nandy, the upcoming film has been written by Ghalib Asad Bhopali and also features Neha Sharma, Sanjay Mishra, Mahakshay Chakraborty and Zarina Wahab.

Apart from Jogira Sa Ra Ra Ra which hits theatres on May 12, Nawazuddin also has Tiku Weds Sheru lined up for release soon. He also has Noorani Chehra, Bole Chudiyan and Haddi in the pipeline.