Throwback: When Nawazuddin Siddiqui compared to Marcello Mastroianni ‘He is such a brilliant actor’

Nawazuddin Siddiqui has carved a quiet yet powerful legacy in Indian cinema. From a humble debut with a small role in ‘Sarfarosh’ to shining in films like ‘Gangs of Wasseypur’, ‘The Lunchbox’, ‘Manto’ and ‘Sacred Games’, he built his journey on craft, not stardom.

So when international cinema voices acknowledge his brilliance, it hits differently. Years back when Nawazuddin opened up about an unexpected compliment and a comparison that still feels surreal

Being compared to an icon, then called handsome

When the Hollywood Reporter called you handsome and compared you with Marcello Mastroiann, for Nawazuddin, the Mastroianni comparison came like a dream. He holds the Italian star in reverence, and that admiration shows in his tone. He said during the interview with New18, "As for being compared with Marcello Mastroianni... Oh, my God! He is such a brilliant actor, so skilled and with such a riveting screen presence. When I'd see him perform in the films of (director)

Vittorio de Sica

, I'd wonder how that level of naturalism can be achieved in a performance."Soon after, another compliment followed, this time about his looks. For someone always celebrated more for ability than appearance, it hit unexpectedly. "To be called handsome by one of the most authoritative publications on American cinema, is something I value. I have never been called handsome in my own country, not by the people I know, not by critics who love my work. So it's a great kick."

On the work front

Recently, Nawazuddin was seen in the role of Yakshasan, the main antagonist of ‘Thamma’ which was released on 21 October, the movie also crossed 120 crore after its release. He is also gearing up for ‘Section 108’ and ‘Blind Babu’ in 2026.