Actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui was nominated in the category of Best Actor for his role in Serious man, a satirical drama based on the book of the same name by Manu Joseph, at this year’s International Emmy Awards.
In a conversation with NDTV’s Rohit Khilnani in New York, Nawazuddin spoke about this prestigious nomination and also explained how his personal experiences with the caste regime in India have helped him perform. The movie ‘Serious man’, premiering on Netflix, is directed by Sudhir Mishra.
Talking to NDTV, he said, “Of course I’m sure that what choices I’m making is correct. Sometimes I used to doubt the work I’m doing and what will happen at the box office. But later I started thinking with my mind and heart. Finally, I realized that the choice I’m making is correct and it’s not letting me down in any aspect. Therefore, when I get nominated in such things (Emmy awards) and go for festivals, I feel proud that I’ve got only one life and my desire to do something different from others will always be there.”
“I used to relate this movie to myself because I’ve at some point experienced such things. When I was in my village, my grandmother was from a small caste, but she got married into a bigger caste. And that thing my father had to bear always, even till his last breath that my mother is from a small caste. Even I to had to bear this thing. Whenever there a fight with any boy in the village, I used to get the same taunt, ” he said
When asked if even after being such a big star, does Nawazuddin Siddiqui still has to deal with the caste system? He said, “Me, along with several others also might still witness this. Success doesn’t matter to them if their mind is stuck with the thing. Then let whatever be, even if you become the president of America, but their mind will still have that thought (referring to caste).”
On Thursday evening, the International Emmys announced its list of nominees for 2021. India was well-represented at the International Emmys last year too and the year before too.
It’s another big year for Indian shows at the International Emmy Awards. The winners will be announced at an in-person ceremony in New York on 22 November this year.
