Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s Tribute to Irrfan Khan: A Legendary Tip that Changed His Game

EXCLUSIVE: Nawazuddin Siddiqui Remembers Being Directed by Irrfan Khan, Shares Life-Changing Acting Tip

Nawazuddin Siddiqui, one of Bollywood’s most respected actors, recently opened up about his special connection with the late Irrfan Khan. In an exclusive chat with Pinkvilla, Nawaz shared touching memories of working with Irrfan and revealed a powerful piece of advice that changed the way he thinks about acting.

Nawaz spoke about how he and Irrfan worked together on many projects—nearly eight to ten, including TV serials, short films, and movies. At one point around 2002, Irrfan even tried directing and worked on a film where Nawaz starred opposite Sadiya Siddiqui. Although Irrfan later returned to acting, that experience left a lasting impact on Nawaz.

Among all their shared moments, one stood out the most for Nawaz. During rehearsals for a scene, he was delivering a long dialogue. After watching his performance, Irrfan stepped in and suggested cutting the lines short. He explained that in films, sometimes fewer words make a bigger impact. That advice—that “less is more”—stuck with Nawazuddin and helped shape his signature style of subtle, expressive acting.

This philosophy is now clearly seen in Nawaz’s work. Known for his quiet yet powerful performances, Nawaz often lets his expressions and silences do the talking—something he learned through years of experience and valuable guidance from legends like Irrfan Khan.

Most recently, Nawazuddin starred in Costao, a crime drama currently streaming on ZEE5. The story takes place in 1990s Goa and follows Costao Fernandes, a bold customs officer who fights a dangerous smuggling ring while also dealing with corruption in his own department. Nawaz plays the lead role, bringing depth and strength to the character.

Directed by Sejal Shah in her directorial debut, Costao has received praise for its gripping storyline and Nawazuddin’s strong performance. The film also stars Priya Bapat, Kishore Kumar G, Gagan Dev Riar, and Hussain Dalal.

Looking ahead, Nawazuddin has an exciting lineup of projects, including Section 108, Noorani Chehra, Sangeen, and Raat Akeli Hai 2.

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