Can't understand why everybody wants to work in Hollywood: Nawazuddin

Actor wonders why the Indian film industry is obsessed with Hollywood

Bollywood actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui says he feels he is presently the highest paid actor in Bollywood in terms of acting.

The critically acclaimed actor, known for portraying complex characters with ease, said, "I am the highest paid actor in industry as far as acting is concerned. I did not have to ask. They (film-makers) themselves started paying me this."

The actor, popular for films like Gangs Of Wasseypur, The Lunchbox and Raman Raghav 2.0, wonders why the Indian film industry is obsessed with Hollywood.



"I do not know why there is an inferiority complex among us... Everybody here wants to work in Hollywood and become big. I can't understand why we have this complex. When we watch films from a powerful country, we feel somewhat inferior. We think our films are not up to their level, but at present, we should feel proud of our films. We are making films with very good content here."

 

Siddiqui, who now plays the lead role in most of his films, also says that he never wanted to play the typical hero as a person with no bad qualities doesn't exist.

"I don't believe in characters that are either completely negative or posivite like a hero doesn't have any bad qualities. A person like him doesn't exist only," Nawazuddin, who doesn't act for awards, told reporters.

"So, I never had any interest in a hero's role or out and out negative role. I prefer grey characters," the Raees actor asserted.



He also pointed out that the difference between his forthcoming film Babumoshai Bandookbaaz and other films is that the "kind of hero you have been seeing, is not there in this film."

In fact, he proudly said he plays "UP's James Bond" in this film.

"Pierce Brosnan who used to play James Bond. He was my madness at one point of time because he had the attitude and swag. Wherever I get the opportunity, I 'stick' that attitude in my films. In this film also, I'm UP's James Bond," he said.

Asked about the kind of roles he wants to do, the Peepli Live actor said, "There are lots of characters that are left to do. Dilip Kumar's role in Mughal-E-Azam. I would like to do that at least once with that kind of an attitude...the royal one."

Asked about the censor board row, he said, "It's their job. They have their own rules, but our job is to fight. So we fought and the Tribunal gave minor cuts."



"Films should be made in their (film-maker's) own way. Whatever topic comes to your mind, the kind of films you want to make. There shouldn't be any attack on creativity," he added.

But what about getting support from Bollywood?

"When we did a press conference, there were about 20 filmmakers. What bigger support do you need?" he asked.

The film will release with its "original flavour" on August 25.

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