Nawazuddin Siddiqui Speaks Out Against India's Beauty Norms: Calls for Change

When Indian cinema is discussed through, Nawazuddin Siddique is one of the most sought after name that often comes in our mind. One of the most acclaimed star of the filmy plethora, the man has proved his innate magnitude of cinema all throughout his years and there's barely any project he touched and didn't turned out blooming. But even after accessing through heart and minds of his die heard fanatics, he often times have to face quesions on his unconvetional looks that Indian cinema has preferred since always! He, who is often judged upon his looks has recently emphasized on the need to see actors through the lens of the camera, rather through the mere human eyes.

Nawazuddin Siddique on India's ideology of beauty

During a recently held interview, the Gangs of Wasseypur fame has pointed out that the definition beauty vary from place to place. What is beauty in India, is not what it is percieved in the other places like France or Germany. Speaking vividly, on his own rejections and experiences, the star discussed about his whole journey of acceptance by the Indian audience.  While discussing on the hollow narration of beauty in india, he gave example of his most admired actress of the industry who according to him is the most astonishing diva, and she is none other than, Smiti Patel. "Hamare yahan toh hum certain body type aur certain skin colour ko good-looking maante hai. But for me, Smita Patil se khoobsurat actress koi aayi hi nahi hai aaj tak. Aisa lagta hai ke she was made for the camera," his words followed.

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"Beauty should be percieved through the lens"

Stating further, he reflected on the importance of percieving an actor through the lens of a camera because that's how an actor look breathtaking. According to him, the camera has it's way! He said, "Camera ka kuch ek doosra perception hota hai. We have to see one through the lens. Hum log bina camera ke dekhte hai and decide karte hai ki yeh good-looking hai ya nahi. But when it comes to movies, whether an actor is good-looking or not should be decided after seeing them through the lens". 

His Favorite actress and why? 

Nawaz then again went on giving his reasons for admiring Smiti Patel as an actress. Commenting on the actress, he listed out the movies done by Patel that has made him a divotee which included, Ardh Satya (1983), Bazaar (1982), and Arth (1982). "If we stand Smita Patil here, she would appear as a typical Indian girl. But as soon as she faced the camera, no one looked more beautiful. If she were here today, she would have been a favorite for international filmmakers. The West was drawn to her," his statement further followed. The Sacred Games actor further discussed the contrasting ideolgies of beauty and admiration in India and France. While giving an example he said, "I was at the Cannes Film Festival, and I saw this massive billboard with Freida. To many of us, she might seem like any other girl next door. But there, people were saying she looks more beautiful than some big Hollywood actresses. People were taking pictures of that billboard. It highlights the contrast in people’s perceptions."

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