Anurag Kashyap, the acclaimed filmmaker, is known for introducing talented actors to the industry. Two names that benefited from his guidance are Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Rajpal Yadav. In a recent interview, Kashyap shared the untold stories of how these actors got their first breaks in Bollywood, even during their most challenging days.
Rajpal Yadav’s Struggles in Mumbai
Rajpal Yadav, now a well-known comic actor, was once on the verge of leaving Mumbai. Depressed and dejected, he was ready to give up his acting dreams. It was Ashraf Ulhaq, another struggling actor at the time, who introduced Rajpal to Anurag Kashyap. Kashyap recalled how they met Rajpal at the railway station, where Nawazuddin Siddiqui was carrying Rajpal’s suitcase. It was a casual meeting that would change both of their lives.
Anurag Gave Rajpal a Role in ‘Shool’
At the time, Anurag Kashyap was casting for Ram Gopal Varma’s film Shool. He convinced Rajpal to stay in Mumbai and offered him a small role as a coolie in the film. Although the role was minor, it became Rajpal’s first stepping stone into the industry.
Nawazuddin’s Request for Work
Nawazuddin, who was with Rajpal during their meeting, was also struggling financially. After seeing Rajpal get a part, he asked Anurag if there was any role left for him. Anurag, although short on roles, wanted to help. Seeing Nawaz’s determination and hearing him say, “I don’t have money to eat, I’ll do anything,” Kashyap found a small part for him.
Nawazuddin’s First Role as a Waiter
In Shool, Nawazuddin ended up playing a waiter in a scene with Manoj Bajpayee and Raveena Tandon. Although it was a very brief role, it marked the beginning of Nawaz’s career. From there, his journey started to take shape.
Nawazuddin’s Rise to Fame
After Shool, Nawazuddin got a small role in Aamir Khan’s Sarfarosh. He later collaborated with Anurag Kashyap in his directorial debut, Black Friday. But it was his performances in Kahaani and Gangs of Wasseypur that truly made him a household name.
This inspiring story shows how persistence and a bit of support from someone like Anurag Kashyap can turn around the lives of struggling actors. Today, Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Rajpal Yadav are both respected names in Bollywood, thanks to their talent and hard work.
