Nawazuddin Siddiqui, one of Bollywood’s most versatile actors, has swapped the bustling streets of Mumbai for a quieter, more serene lifestyle in Dubai. The actor, famous for his intense roles in Raman Raghav 2.0 and Sacred Games, now calls the UAE home, and he couldn’t be more content with his decision.
A Safe Haven
Siddiqui speaks highly of Dubai’s safety, a sentiment many expats share. “Dubai is the safest country in the world,” he says, his voice filled with certainty. For the actor, this sense of security is invaluable, especially when it comes to his daughter. “When she strolls at night or takes the metro, I’m not worried at all. She’s completely safe no matter how late it is,” he adds. This sense of comfort, he believes, is every parent’s dream.
Despite the logistics of splitting his time between Dubai and Mumbai, Siddiqui’s passion for acting remains unwavering. He continues to work in Bollywood, with his latest project offering a striking departure from his typical roles.
Thamma: A New Adventure
This Diwali, Siddiqui is venturing into the realm of fantasy with Thamma, a big-budget adventure film from Maddock Films. Known for his portrayal of gritty, realistic characters, the actor is relishing the opportunity to embrace something entirely different. “Trust me, I’ve wanted to do something like this for a while,” he admits with a grin. Playing a “weird character,” Siddiqui is excited by the creative freedom it offers. “My kids are going to be thrilled,” he adds.
His role in Thamma is a marked contrast to his usual fare. As he delves into the world of fantasy, Siddiqui finds himself fascinated by the new kind of wickedness his character embodies. “Playing a villain is super important in this genre,” he says. “There’s so much meat to sink your teeth into.”
The Unpredictability of Success
Despite his impressive career, Siddiqui remains humble about his journey. With numerous accolades, including a National Award, he still describes receiving unexpected roles as a pleasant surprise. “It’s like being a batsman,” he laughs. “You’re ready, but you still don’t expect that kind of delivery.”
From humble beginnings working as a watchman and struggling in theatre to walking the red carpets at Cannes, Siddiqui’s rise has been nothing short of extraordinary. Thamma adds yet another exciting chapter to his already diverse career, proving that he’s far from settling into a predictable mould.
A Changing Industry
When the conversation turns to the influence of technology on the arts, Siddiqui remains unruffled. He acknowledges that technological advances will continue to shape cinema but firmly believes that the “soul of cinema” remains irreplaceable. “As long as emotion and thought exist, no machine can touch it,” he says. His passion for authentic storytelling is clear, and he shows no signs of being distracted by trends or the pressure of staying relevant in a rapidly changing industry.
Siddiqui’s commitment to his craft transcends the shifting tides of Bollywood. Whether working on stage, for streaming platforms, or in a nukkad natak (street play), he remains focused on one thing: acting. “Acting is my only concern,” he states simply, dismissing any obsession with box office numbers or awards.
On Acting and Teaching
The actor also addressed the idea of opening an acting school in Dubai, something some might expect from a man with such a storied career. His response is characteristically blunt: “You are not a doll you can’t be taught acting. Teachers can show you theories, but it’s up to you to decide what fits. There’s no magic pill. You face the camera, and you learn who you are.” His unpretentious approach to his craft is a testament to his authenticity.
A Place of Peace
As his career continues to evolve, Siddiqui seems at peace with his journey. While Thamma might transport audiences to fantastical worlds this Diwali, the actor himself is content in his adopted home of Dubai, where safety, stardom, and passion for the arts harmoniously coexist.
For more on upcoming Diwali films, check out Diwali 2025: Top 5 films, series like Rashmika Mandanna’s ‘Thamma’.
