The harsh reality of filmmaking is that creative decisions can sometimes leave actors heartbroken. Many have experienced the disappointment of having their scenes edited out of the final product, including top stars. One such actor was left severely heartbroken when his role in a critically acclaimed movie, starring Shah Rukh Khan, Rani Mukerji, and a prominent South Indian film star, was unexpectedly cut from the film.
One such incident from the early stage of Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s career is related to Kamal Haasan’s award-winning film Hey Ram, released in 2000, which starred an ensemble including Shah Rukh Khan and Rani Mukerji-all under the shadow of the great Kamal Haasan. Nawazuddin had a supporting role in this movie, which he unfortunately got cut from.
He Narrated About His Heartbreaking Premiere Moment
Recalling that moment on an episode of The Kapil Sharma Show, Nawazuddin said that it was perhaps the most painful day in his life as he watched the premiere of a film from which his part had been cut. Nawazuddin had a few friends over who were equally excited to watch him perform. Moments before the screening, coveted director Kamal Haasan walked up to him and said, “Nawaz, apne doston ko bol do ki tumhara role cut gaya hai.”
“Nawaz, tell your friends that your role has been cut!” He was completely taken aback and said to Haasan, “Sir, meri bahut bezzati ho jaegi.”
Nawazuddin broke down but finally, he had the courage to tell his friends, who were then given the option to leave. But they stayed with him and they watched the movie. During the hardest of times, it was Kamal Haasan’s daughter, Shruti Haasan, who consoled Nawazuddin when she found him in tears.
A Man of Destiny
If Nawazuddin had to face such an early challenge, his talents and determination helped him outwin other actors in the industry and become a superstar. Gangs of Wasseypur, The Lunchbox, Bajrangi Bhaijaan, Sacred Games, and Manto are a few of the movies which helped him carve out an identity for himself.
