New Delhi:
Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s versatility in cloning-himself into any character is undebatable. Hence, when he announced to play the role of the Shiv Sena leader, Bal Thackeray, fans only expected what he does best-delivering a powerful performance, which he did so, judging by the trailer of Thackery. Some viewers, however, took hurt to Nawazuddin for playing the late Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray in Abhijit Panse's Thackeray given the fact that the Scared Games actor is a Muslim from UP.
Nawazuddin, however, has taken no heed to such criticisms from the netizens and given back a befitting reply like a true professional he is. When asked about taking on the role of the late Shiv Sena leader and the controversies surrounding the biopic, Nawazuddin said, "Thousands of people will say thousands of things...today every little thing is turning out to become a controversy. Rather than broadening their thoughts, people are making it narrower. I am an actor, I will do any role."
The actor also urged the decriers to be more open and more forthcoming towards things, "Now, Shiv Sena, their team or Sanjay Raut gave me this role, not on the basis of my caste. They didn't see if I am a Muslim or whatever. They consider me as an artist who can do justice to a character like Balasaheb Thackeray. Why is nobody talking about this?" he asked.
"If I am born in a certain community then how am I responsible for that? It's not something that we get out of choice. I am proud of who I am and I think the least we all could do is at least appreciate Shiv Sena for having a progressive approach and choosing me to play their idol irrespective of my religious background. They only saw an artist in me. But logon ka kya," Nawazuddin added.
Thackeray which will also see Amrita Rao as Meena Tai Thackery is scheduled to hit the theatres this January 25th.
