Nawazuddin Siddiqui rejected 200 scripts after Gangs of Wasseypur, was offered blank cheques: ‘Didn’t like any’

Nawazuddin Siddiqui, once a struggling actor, famously rejected over 200 scripts after his breakout role in Gangs of Wasseypur 2. Prior to that, he had been languishing on the fringes of Bollywood, taking up minor roles while eagerly awaiting a major breakthrough. Gangs of Wasseypur transformed his career trajectory, catapulting him into the limelight.

After the film's release, producers inundated him with nearly 200 scripts, offering him carte blanche to decide his fee and schedule, even proposing blank cheques. However, despite the plethora of options, Nawazuddin adamantly declined every single project. He explained that none of the scripts resonated with him, and he decided to wait for the right one that truly captivated him.

His decision to wait was rooted in his past experiences of waiting for years for his career to take off. Given his history, he felt he could afford to be patient and selective, refusing to accept any project he deemed less than worthy simply because it was available. This strategy ultimately proved fruitful, as he later secured projects that aligned with his career aspirations and creative sensibilities.

Since Gangs of Wasseypur, Nawazuddin has built a diverse filmography, ranging from independent cinema to mainstream blockbusters, including Heropanti 2, Afwaah, Raat Akeli Hai – The Bansal Murders, and Thamma. His upcoming projects include the sequel to Thamma and Tumbbad II.