I feel heroes and filmmakers here don't bother about good scripts: Nawazuddin

Nawazuddin Siddiqui, who started his career in films as a character artiste, has made a name for himself globally and is now straddling Bollywood, Tollywood and even Hollywood with solo hero films. His next film is Jogira Sa Ra Ra Ra, billed as a romantic movie, also starring Neha Sharma, Mahaakshay Chakraborty, Sanjay Mishra and Zarina Wahab.

Excerpts from an interview:

 

There was a time when heroines didn’t want to romance you on screen. But now you’re being paired with pretty actresses!

It’s a good change. There is a huge responsibility on my shoulders as a solo hero. Jogira Sa Ra Ra Ra is a fun film. The audience will be entertained by it. It is intriguing and different.

 

You do comedy and romance, as well as sensitive films like Mountain Man...

Most people don’t know about my interest in comedy. People have seen and liked me in sensitive characters that I have done earlier. I  have got only a couple of comedy films, like Moti Choor.

 

You have signed a Telugu film. Do you find any difference working in Hindi and in the south industry?

The director approached me for this film. Shooting is yet to start.

I get loads of love down South. Filmmakers have watched my films and have liked it. The South has so much unity. Everyone comes to show support on the muhurat day. The money is invested only in making the film, unlike here, where they spend on taking relatives on a trip.

 

Tell us something about your international project.

I’m going for the shoot in June or July. We will be shooting it in Morocco. I can’t reveal more.

But here, you are judged by your friends and those around you. Abroad, that doesn’t happen. There is real camaraderie.

However, our industry has given me a lot – more than I expected. I thank my producers and directors for that.

 

What do you have to say about the need to select good scripts?

I feel heroes and filmmakers here don’t bother about good scripts. Mostly, projects are made by casting actors on the basis of the availability. They just want a combination of actors. Later they discuss the script. If questioned, they say, ‘Arre Sir, who remake kar dete hai.’

 

Do you think remakes aren’t a good idea now?

When a film is already made, why remake it? If there is a good remake concept I don’t mind being associated with it. But I wouldn’t like to depend on remake films only.

 

Why don’t you promote yourself on social media?

I feel too much social media promotion takes away from the charm. When fans see you every day, why would the come to watch your film in theatres? I maintain a little bit of mystery. I don’t like to post every detail of my daily routine like others. I do that during promotions.