Compiled by Nandana S Nair
Nawazuddin Siddiqui, known for his powerful performances and breakthrough roles, rose from humble beginnings to one of Bollywood’s most versatile and respected actors. Celebrating his 51st birthday today, he holds the unique record of 8 films officially selected at the Cannes Film Festival, a feat unmatched by any other actor
Topping the list is ‘Gangs of Wasseypur’, in which Siddiqui's portrayal of Faizal Khan became one of his iconic roles, a significant stepping stone towards fame. The film was also screened at the Cannes Film Festival in 2012
Siddiqui plays Sameer, a multilayered and complex character in this English-language international drama film. The picture was part of the 26th Busan International Film Festival in 2021, and the actor’s performance received global acclaim.
A tragic, slow-burning road film in which a mysterious drifter (Siddiqui) helps a woman, Kamala (Geethanjali Thapa), and her young daughter find her missing husband
The indie film, set against the backdrop of Ahmedabad’s vibrant kite festival, was a critical success in Siddiqui's career and was screened at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival in 2025
Siddiqui delivered his most chilling performance to date as the psycho killer inspired by real-life murderer Raman Raghav in ‘Raman Raghav 2.0’. The film was also featured at the Cannes Film Festival 2016 in the Directors’ Fortnight section and received a standing ovation post-screening
A biopic of Dashrath Manjhi, the man who carved a path through a mountain out of love for his wife, linking his isolated village with the rest of the world
Gripping crime thriller where Siddiqui shines in the role of a determined small-town cop investigating a twisted murder in a wealthy man’s mansion