Nawazuddin Siddiqui revealed his Bollywood origin story at the Bollywood Hungama Style Icons Summit and Awards 2026. The Gangs of Wasseypur star discussed his first screen appearance and his first paycheque.
When asked how it felt seeing himself on screen for the first time, Nawazuddin said: "Bahut ajeeb sa laga tha. I found lot of faults in myself. Then you feel how you could have done it better."
His first work was street plays advertising an oil brand across Delhi. Five or six actors would pile into a van with a harmonium and dafli, performing skits to draw crowds. "If people didn't gather to us, we'll pretend to fight to catch attention!" he said.
His first earnings went to his mother. "Wahin se mujhe pehla cheque mila. I gave the first cheque to my mother. She had loaned her jewellery. She was able to get it back, thanks to my first cheque," Nawazuddin said.
The team performed 5-6 shows daily at Rs 100 per show, earning him Rs 500-600 total. That money allowed his mother to reclaim her pawned jewellery.
Nawazuddin has since moved from van performances to critically acclaimed films.
