Nawazuddin Siddiqui came to Mumbai to act in television serials, but destiny clearly had bigger plans for him. And today, as this talented actor gears up for his next big releaseBajrangi Bhaijaan, we speak to him about his rapport with Salman Khan, his journey in Bollywood and why the term 'dark character' evokes a dark response from him! Excerpts from a conversation...

What was it like playing a television journalist inBajrangi Bhaijaan? Did you have to work on the language?
It's an interesting role, it's a very positive character. I play this normal guy, a simple reporter from Pakistan. The language is the same, just a little change, based on the region he belongs to.

Did you model your role on Pakistani journalist Chand Nawab, whose videos had gone viral a few years ago?
I did see the videos that had gone viral, but that was about it. It's not modelled on any one person; in fact for reference, I had watched many videos.

You worked with Salman inKickearlier. How different was the experience inBajrangi Bhaijaan?
After the interval, it's a journey with Salman Khan only. The scenes between us are conversational and very relatable. His character here isn't larger-than-life. Yes, it was far easier working with Salmanbhaithis time. DuringKick, I didn't know him and initially, I wondered how he'd be. I saw him for the first time on the set of the film. This time around, we knew each other well. The outdoor shoots, where we get to spend a lot of time together after pack up and develop a bond, really helps us actors.Salmanbhaiis a generous person and I have seen he really takes care of the people on the set.

Salman is known for his subtle sense of humour. Did you experience it?
One daybhaitold me, 'I'll tell you the difference between an actor and a star. If an actor is given a task, for instance, of passing a thread through a needle, he will sincerely do it, focussing totally on it. But if a Salman Khan has to do it, the focus is on Salman Khan doing it, nevermind whether the thread goes through the needle!'

So hypothetically now, if you are given such a task, what would you do... be the actor or the star?
(Laughs) My process will be the same... I'll be focussed on putting the thread into the needle with all honesty!