Nawazuddin Siddiqui has had a busy year and is keen on spending time with his family for a change

The actor, who was last seen in a short film, is excited about his upcoming movie by Buddhadeb Dasgupta. The acclaimed actor insists that it's high time we felt proud of our own body of work, especially those emerging from regional cinema.

In a frank conversation with CS, the 39-year-old sheds light on his penchant for being independent and how we're living in the most promising era of Indian cinema.

Dream on
Acting is one of the most honest professions on the planet. At least that's what I feel about my job. It's only when you start dreaming for a particular role that you start corrupting yourself.

For example, you aim to do what Al Pacino did in some film and you've got a role of a beggar. Now, how are you going to do justice to your work? That's the reason why I try to detach myself from old perceptions and go to the sets thinking of my character -- not me.


Banes of Bollywood
Some of the finest films in our country come from places with languages we don't follow. Bollywood too is going through an interesting phase.

However, the trouble with Hindi cinema is it follows a popular trend way too keenly; to the point that it becomes boring. Jab tak tel nahi nikal jaata, tab tak follow karte hai (laughs).

Even though the setup is so modern, the hero's still good at ladkibaazi and nothing else. I'm praying that we are able to free ourselves from such unreal romance and imbibe the harsh realities.


Slow and steady
I don't feel insecure at all because I know who I am and what I'm capable of. At the same time, I also know my weaknesses and I'm silently working on it. I like to think of myself as a sculptor who won't give up on himself.

Even if thousand new actors come up in the market, I won't be scared for my place because every night I go home and look in the mirror and I ask myself `Have I cheated with my craft by repeating myself?` and I sleep well only on the nights when the answer is `No`.


Global scripts abound
I keep getting offers from international platforms but I haven't come across anything that would excite me. A role has to be graceful. I'm not going to sign just because it's from the West. Besides, I don't need Hollywood's approval (pointing to his rear) on this.

In any case, the finest work of cinema is happening in smaller countries like Poland, Iran and Korea. Coming back to Hollywood, just look at the kind of commercial movies they churn out. It's sequel followed by more sequels