Nawazuddin Siddiqui, one of Bollywood’s most respected actors, shared new insights into his behind-the-scenes role in shaping Ranveer Singh’s early career, specifically revealing that he coached Singh for his debut film Band Baaja Baaraat. The coaching took place before the film’s 2010 release, at a time when doubts lingered within the industry, even from high-profile figures like Karan Johar, about Ranveer Singh’s suitability for such a major launch.
During an interview, Nawazuddin Siddiqui explained that his experience as an acting mentor unfolded naturally, noting,
“In a way, I became the workshop guy because I trained Singh for Band Baaja Baaraat.”
He emphasized that while he could share techniques and insights, real acting talent must ultimately come from within each artist, adding that his own approach provided guidance, but the onus remains on the individual to grow and perform.
Reflecting on the importance of dedicated acting spaces, Nawazuddin Siddiqui also highlighted institutions like the National School of Drama, stating that such places play a vital role in nurturing talent and shaping the landscape of India’s film industry. He noted,
“All realistic movies have actors who have come from these institutions,”
reinforcing the significance of structured training in achieving authenticity on screen.
At the time of Band Baaja Baaraat’s shooting, some of the film’s decision-makers faced skepticism. Prominent filmmaker Karan Johar, speaking in a previous episode of Koffee With Karan, recalled his initial reservations after learning of Ranveer Singh’s casting. Johar described a moment of disbelief, saying,
“I felt hopeless… since Aditya no longer calls me for previews, I had no intention of seeing this film.”
The skepticism was compounded when Johar, having misunderstood Singh’s importance in the project, recommended changes to promotional materials. However, the results challenged expectations—upon viewing the film, Johar declared,
“Oh my god. He’s a movie star.”
Ranveer Singh’s powerful debut and grounded performance ultimately silenced doubts and signaled the arrival of a compelling new talent in the industry.
Nawazuddin Siddiqui, already recognized for standout performances in The Lunchbox, Gangs of Wasseypur, Badlapur, and Raman Raghav 2.0, had added acting mentorship to his diverse portfolio, underscoring his willingness to support newcomers. He has previously stated,
“I have always promised to be an ally to anyone wishing to break into the acting industry,”
reflecting a commitment to nurturing future talent from all backgrounds.
The success of Band Baaja Baaraat transformed Ranveer Singh’s career trajectory, while also validating Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s faith in his protégé. Together, their work serves as a testament to the impact that guidance, perseverance, and belief can have, even in the face of skepticism from established industry voices. As Singh’s stardom has continued to rise, recently seen in high-profile projects such as Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani alongside leading actors, Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s influence during the formative stages is widely acknowledged.
The events surrounding Band Baaja Baaraat highlight a turning point not only for its leading man but also for the supportive network that powers the Hindi film industry’s evolving talent pipeline. Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s openness about this chapter has cast a new light on the myriad ways experienced actors shape future generations. As he continues to take on challenging roles, including a recent appearance in Costao streaming on ZEE5, his story of coaching Ranveer Singh stands as both a significant industry anecdote and a reminder of mentorship’s lasting value. The future may well see more actors reaching new heights, strengthened by such alliances and the lessons learned from icons like Nawazuddin Siddiqui.
