Nawazuddin’s journey from Muzaffarnagar to Wasseypur

Image Courtesy: www.mid-day.com

Nawazuddin Siddiqui – a name that brings a credibility factor in every film he acts in, had struggled for 12-15 years before he got a ‘one’ scene break in Bollywood with Sarfarosh starring Aamir Khan. He was born and brought up in the land of Muzaffarnagar known for Gehu, Ganna and Goli (Wheat, Sugarcane and Bullet). After moving out of Muzaffarnagar to complete his graduation, Nawazuddin worked as a chemist followed by the position of security guard in a toys factory. It was during this time that his friend took him to watch a play. Mesmerised by the chemistry between actor and the audience in the world of theatre, Nawazuddin got hooked on to watching plays and like a true devotee, been an audience to at least 70-80 plays in Delhi.  He then jumped on to on the other side of the theatre – from audience to an actor. Joined a theatre group for a year and half, then moving to National School of Drama to sharpen his acting skills. Finally, he settled his base in the Maya Nagri - Mumbai in 1999- 2000. Nawazuddin who now is a nightmare to every actor, ironically was rejected in television, but however managed to get short roles of 1 or 2 scenes in films till 2009. With an increment in his number of scenes, he bagged 3 scenes in Black Friday, he termed it as a new success in his life. Followed by Peepli Live, Patang and other content cinema, he got his due adulation in Gangs of Wasseypur. With talent rooted so deeply, the volcano of Nawazuddin’s acting skills is erupting from one film to another and there is no stopping.

Source: Chalte Chalte ( NDTV India )

Ranveer Singh's First Camera Encounter

Image Courtesy: www.thebrownscooter.com

Way back in 2008, two years before the release of Band Bajaa Baraaat when Ranveer Singh who was 21 year old then was assisting the acclaimed director – Shaad Ali known for films like Saathiya, Bunty aur Babli, Kill Dil among others, it was this very time when Ranveer Singh first faced the camera for a performance at an art festival in Paris. Shaad Ali was representing India at 'Nuit Blanche festival' in Paris. Shaad ‘s performance was showcasing the making of a Bollywood song in which he played himself – The Director. The music composition was prepared by Pyaarelalji, sung by Sonu Nigam & Shreya Ghoshal and Choreographed by Saroj Khan. Louis Garrel – an acclaimed French actor was aligned to be the lead for this very performance, however he pulled out last minute which eventually led chance for Ranveer Singh. Stressed out Shaad Ali made an emergency call to Ranveer who was asleep on a Friday morning and asked him to ‘get his ass to Paris right now’. Ranveer ran to the embassy for processes and boarded the next available flight to Paris learning the song ‘ Laagi re aar ki, Laagi re Paar ki’ in the flight itself. Landed in Paris, got dressed in Aki Narula designed Sherwani, learnt the steps from Saroj Khan who didn’t even acknowledge his dancing skills back then, he was put in front of an audience of 30,000 with his co-star – Aditi Rao Hydari who technically is his first ever co-star captured on Camera. With pressure building from all sides as the locals of Paris wondering which star kid is in front of them to his best friend who was part of Shaad Ali's team whispering in his ears about this being his big ticket to prove his talent, he remained true to be counted as the savior who had come from Mumbai, Ranveer Singh indeed turned as the friend in need for Shaad Ali gracing the show wholeheartedly and making his presence felt by enthralling the audience. 

Link to the performance uploaded by a fan: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vr6XHDIYEjU

Source: Round Table conference 2013 with Rajeev Masand