DNA EXCLUSIVE: Nawazuddin Siddiqui places craft before politics

"I'm not concerned and obliged to react to whatever is being said," says actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui, "I am acting in a film, based on a script handed to me. Why should I look beyond that?"

Nawazuddin is talking about playing late Shiv Sena supremo Bal Thackeray in the biopic which releases on Friday. He brushed away controversial statements made by ex-MP Nilesh Rane earlier this week. According to him, any actor would "give an arm and a leg" for the role. "It is hugely challenging and satisfying to think of how to use my craft to make the character real and believable." He credits the make-up artists and stylists for all the praise he has received for his look in the movie. "I had to go beyond (physical appearance) and find a way of creating Thackeray from within," he says. Here are excerpts from the interview:

Why did you choose to do Thackeray?

Why not? Any actor would give an arm and a leg to play Thackeray. It was hugely challenging and satisfying to think of how to use my craft to make the character of Balasaheb real and believable.

Many have praised your 'look' saying you make for a convincing Bal Thackeray.

The 'look' has nothing to do with me. This goes to the credit of the make-up artiste and stylists. I had to go beyond that and find a way of creating Thackeray from within.

And how did you go about doing that?

I have Sanjay Raut, Balasaheb's family and the entire team behind Thackeray to thank for this. As people who worked closely with Balasaheb and knew him, their inputs were of immense help. I also looked at a lot of footage and speech recordings to help me find finer nuances of the character.

Nilesh Rane, estranged Shiv Sena leader Narayan Rane's son, ex-MP and Maharashtra Swabhiman Party leader, has alleged that the late Sena supremo was behind a plot to kill singer Sonu Nigam and responsible for party leader Anand Dighe's death.

I'm not concerned/obliged to react to whatever is being said. I am acting in a film based on a script handed to me. Why should I look beyond that? You ask me about my character, craft and my approach to the role. I am no expert on politics or social issues.

Should we assume that the film will be hagiographic then?

This is a question you should ask the filmmaker. Balasaheb was larger than life and still commands a huge following. That's not for nothing. I saw the script, found it exciting and took on the role.

Many have raised eyebrows on the contrast in the characters you have played in Manto and Thackeray

I refuse to be drawn into commenting on any such contrast. Why should I talk about that and add grist to the media mill by creating controversies and headlines for you guys? Despite undergoing formal training I have struggled for over a decade to reach the position where I'm now being approached with challenging leads like these. Why should I rock the boat?

But you surely see the paradox of being both from North Indian and a Muslim in playing Bal Thackeray given that the late Sena chief used the otherising of both groups to build his political career and party.

I am an actor. I never let myself forget that. My craft as an actor doesn't go by.labels of religion or region. It can only have one of the two: good or bad. And the audience lets you know that every Friday without fail. I try to work on my craft 100% without looking at making headlines. And I can see you are working hard to get one out of me (Laughs).

Do you not see any connection between social responsibility and artists then?

Why am I being singled for taking a stand? If I have to do anything for a social cause I will. On my time and pace. Far from the media glare. At a time when most of the fraternity plays it safe why should I stick my neck out? My own politics and views are a personal matter. This is not the place for that. Here I'm chosen for my ability to bring a character to life and I stick to that.

People have still not stopped raving about your Ganesh Gaitonde in the web series Sacred Games

I know. It feels good that it continues to garner a huge fan following. I still see memes from Gaitonde's lines. We have already shot extensively for the second season in South Africa and Kenya. This will be a grittier and edgier season I promise. I am confident this one will also get a huge thumbs up from audiences.