Widely regarded as one of the defining actors of this generation, Nawazuddin Siddiqui has carved a rare space in Indian cinema purely through a wide range of performances. Known for his fearless choice of characters and deeply immersive craft, the actor’s journey is a testament to persistence, patience and uncompromising storytelling. Long before leading acclaimed films like Gangs of Wasseypur, The Lunchbox, Badlapur, and Raman Raghav 2.0, he quietly appeared in several now cult favourites that audiences later rediscovered. As we wait for his next film, here are seven lesser-known roles of Nawazuddin Siddiqui in some iconic films.
Sarfarosh
In Sarfarosh, Nawazuddin Siddiqui had a brief appearance that many viewers noticed only years later. Though fleeting, the role reflected his early grounding in realistic cinema and marked one of his earliest steps into performance driven storytelling.
Black Friday
Black Friday became a significant early association in his career. Working within an intense docu-drama narrative, he blended seamlessly into the film’s raw world, displaying a naturalistic acting style that would later become his signature.
Munna Bhai M.B.B.S.
Audiences were surprised to rediscover him in Munna Bhai M.B.B.S. where he appeared in a small yet memorable part. Even in a mainstream entertainer filled with beloved characters, his presence stood out for its authenticity.
Ek Chalis Ki Last Local
In Ek Chalis Ki Last Local, the actor featured in an offbeat urban narrative that matched his comfort with grounded characters and slice of life storytelling.
Manorama Six Feet Under
The neo noir world of Manorama Six Feet Under further added to his early filmography. The understated tone of the film aligned well with his restrained performance style.
Peepli Live
In Peepli Live, Nawazuddin Siddiqui appeared in a supporting role within the sharp political satire, contributing to the realism that defined the film’s social commentary.
Talaash
His brief role in Talaash once again demonstrated how even minimal screen time could leave a lasting recall when backed by conviction. One of those rare appearances that gained attention retroactively as his popularity grew.
From unnoticed appearances to commanding performances, Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s journey reflects the evolution of content driven cinema in India. Each small role became a stepping stone toward a career built on credibility rather than conventional stardom. Today he stands as a generational acting legend whose filmography continues to inspire actors and filmmakers while constantly redefining the boundaries of performance-led storytelling.