Manto is as relevant today as he was during his time: Nawazuddin Siddiqui

We already know Nawazuddin Siddiqui is leaving no stone unturned to essay the role of Saadat Hasan Manto – and as a result, his look as the late Pakistani writer is just spot on.

Nandita Das’ directorial has made its way to the Un Certain Regard segment of the prestigious 71st Cannes Film Festival. The team is ecstatic.

PHOTO: INDIAN EXPRESS

The historical period drama about Manto, who is known for his writings around the partition of India and Pakistan, is the only Indian film competing in the Un Certain Regard category of the gala, to be held from May 8-19.



In an exclusive interview to The Indian Express, Nawazuddin  talks about the role he's about to take and believes Manto is just as relevant today as he was in his time.

“Manto is as relevant today as he was during his time. Like, I will narrate you his speech, which he had given in Jogeshwari (in Mumbai). We have used it as it is,” Nawazuddin said as he gets into his on-screen avatar.

PHOTO: INDIAN EXPRESS

Nawazuddin further said of the short story writer, “He used to say, ‘These (religious fanaticism) are disgusting things, motives. Debate on my story and kill me, I will be fine with it. I will think I got a good death. I will be happy. But don’t do these things because I am an artiste and I don’t like such dirty scars.’ He used to call himself an artiste no, so, he would say, ‘I am an artiste. Don’t make me anything else’.”



“I relate to him. This is my favourite line of his speech. I had even tweeted because of this at that time. But it was taken out of context. I understood people’s mindset right then itself because they didn’t get what I was trying to say, they still don’t get it I am sure. I had written that only after knowing Manto – ‘I am an artiste and in one life, it’s enough to be just one person.’ And that too, one should try to be that one person in all honesty. I don’t think there’s ever been a more beautiful line than this," he added.

Manto also stars Rishi Kapoor and Rasika Duggal (as Manto’s wife Safiyah) in pivotal roles.

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