In a brutally honest appearance on NDTV’s Creator’s Manch (aired 17 March 2026), Nawazuddin Siddiqui didn’t hold back. When asked whether filmmakers have a responsibility to give society direction — especially in these turbulent times — the Gangs of Wasseypur star delivered a verdict that has left Bollywood buzzing:
“Yes, of course. Filmmakers shouldn’t take society in the wrong direction. The truth is very important… everyone today knows what the truth is.”
He went even further: “No, we’re lying in our films. We’re making fake films here and everyone knows this.”
Siddiqui pointed out that audiences are not blind. “Everyone is keeping track of what’s true and what lies are being propagated, what narrative is being built,” he said. “People know the reality behind [these films], even if nobody will say it aloud.”
The Truth About Bollywood Films (According to Nawazuddin)
- Bollywood is no longer creating “narrative-based” cinema — it’s peddling lies.
- The industry is failing its social duty by pushing fake stories instead of hard truths.
- Everyone (actors, audience, industry insiders) knows it’s happening, but silence prevails.
- In contrast, Siddiqui praised fearless writers like Saadat Hasan Manto (whom he portrayed in a biopic) for writing “harsh truths” without fear.
Other Highlights from the Interview
- On playing Manto: He read the writer’s works and used improvisation because “no videos of Manto exist.”
- On politics: “I have zero involvement.” Actors should focus on their craft.
- Advice to young actors: Forget luck. Train relentlessly, work hard, and become “impossible to ignore.” Even if you fail 10 times, the 11th might be your breakthrough.
Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s message is loud and clear: Bollywood has a moral responsibility. If it keeps manufacturing fantasies and false narratives, it’s not just cheating audiences — it’s misleading an entire society. The truth, he says, is already out there. The only question left is: when will the industry finally have the courage to tell it?
(Original source: Images/Dawn, 17 March 2026)
