Nawazuddin Siddiqui Recalls The Time When His Role Was Cut By Kamal Haasan In ‘Hey Ram’; Says 'I Wept Bitterly'

Nawazuddin Siddiqui is one of the finest actors in Bollywood. After a lot of hard work and determination, the actor has made it big in the Bollywood Industry. Recalling his days of struggle, Nawazuddin reveals that during his initial days of acting, he had to play small roles in films which were mostly edited out, and one such incident was when actor-director Kamal Hassan edited out Nawaz’s part from his film.

‘’There were many incidents when I did small roles and then the role was edited out. But the one incident that stays with me involves one of my idols Kamal Haasan. I was his Hindi dialogue coach on his film Hey Ram (2000) which he directed and also played the lead. When  Kamalji offered me a small role in Hey Ram I was as excited as a child. He is one of my idols alongside Dilip Kumar, Naseeruddin Shah, Anthony Hopkins, and Denzel Washington. I’ve seen each and every film of theirs repeatedly.” recalled Nawaz

The Gangs of Wasseypur actor said that Kamal Hassan offered him a significant role in Hey Raam and he was looking forward to work with the veteran actor. The supposedly small role that Kamalji offered Nawaz turned out to be not so small. Nawaz said, “It was actually a substantial role. I was supposed to be this victim of a mob attack whom Kamalji rescues. I was excited about this opportunity to share  screen space with my idol.”

Nawazuddin remembered the time when his role was edited out, and he was so heartbroken, “I wept bitterly. I remember Kamalji’s daughter Shruti consoling me. Though Kamalji cut my role there was no ill will whatsoever in my heart. How could I be resentful  ? Kamalji is such a complete artist with his knowledge stretching far beyond.Unka toh mujhe naam  bhil lene mein hichkichaahat hoti hai(I hesitate to even say his name).” The actor said.

Nawaz was back with Kamal Haasan in the latter’s Abhay(Aalavandhan in Tamil). “This time I was only his Hindi voice coach. No role was offered to me. I wait for the day when Kamalji offers me another role.”