The super-talented Nawazuddin Siddiqui has been nominated for an international Emmy award for the Best Performance by an Actor for his role as Ayyan Mani in Netflix film Serious Men. Nawaz tells me, “Working with director Sudhir Mishra and playing the role of Ayyan Mani in Serious Men was a dream come true for me and the International Emmy nomination is validation of all the hard work we poured into the film. I feel honoured to portray meaningful stories that are being recognised globally .”
Nawaz however does not look Westward for approval. “While I appreciate the Emmy nomination, for me getting approval from the West is not a burning ambition. I am happy with all the praise that comes my way from my own people. To me a man on the street complimenting me on my performance is also important.”
Speaking about his role in Serious Men, Nawaz says, “I got to work with Sudhir Sir for the first time. As a student of cinema I used to hero-worship his films Iss Raat Ki Subah Nahin and Hazaron Khawishein Aisi. I wonder why it took so long for Sudhir Sir and me to come together. I feel this was a combination meant to happen.”
Nawaz had earlier expressed gratitude at being nominated in an Instagram post. “Wow !!!! #SeriousMen has got me a nomination for the prestigious #InternationalEmmyAwards in the Best Actor category Congratulations Team #SeriousMen Director #SudhirMishra @sejtherage @bhavesh_mandalia @manujosephsan & last but not the least @netflix_in @netflix @iemmys,” he wrote.
Image Source: Instagram/nawazuddin._siddiqui, spotboye archives
Image Source: Instagram/nawazuddin._siddiqui, spotboye archives