Nawazuddin disputes cinema's beauty norms: 'Crores of people look like me'

Nawazuddin Siddiqui, one of the most celebrated actors in Indian cinema, has always stood out not just for his exceptional talent but also for his distinct appearance. Recently, he made a thought-provoking statement that has garnered much attention: "How am I unconventional when crores of people look like me?"

During a session at the second edition of the Cinevesture International Film Festival, he said, "During interviews, they would say, ‘You are unconventional looking’. Bhai, how am I unconventional when crores of people look like me in India. I’m conventional, it’s Hrithik Roshal who looks unconventional."

This remark speaks volumes about the beauty standards that have been imposed upon the entertainment industry, and more importantly, on how we, as a society, perceive beauty. Siddiqui's argument hits home, urging us to question the very notion of what is considered "conventional" in Bollywood.

Bollywood's Notion Of Beauty Is Questionable...

In a country as diverse as India, with over a billion people, it is curious how the ideals of beauty in the entertainment industry are often so narrow and exclusionary. Bollywood, over the years, has established a certain mould for its leading stars—fair skin, chiselled features, tall stature, and an overall polished appearance. These attributes, although part of the industry’s glamorized image, rarely represent the average Indian. The reality is that the majority of us do not look like the perfect, airbrushed faces we see on screen. Yet, for decades, these standards have been perpetuated, leading to the rise of a beauty hierarchy where only a select few are considered "commercially viable."

Siddiqui's statement challenges this long-held belief. As a man with sharp features, average height, and a rugged, often unkempt appearance, he doesn't fit the traditional Bollywood hero mold. However, his performances are unmatched. From 'Gangs of Wasseypur' to 'The Lunchbox,' Siddiqui’s ability to convey raw emotion and deep complexity makes him stand out. His words prompt a reflection: why is it that in a country of over a billion people, the majority is not reflected in our cinema? Why do we continue to worship actors who look a certain way, rather than those who bring life to a character through their craft?

In a world where appearance is often prioritised, it's easy to forget the essence of acting. It’s about evoking emotions, telling a story, and making the audience feel something. If acting is about embodying characters, then why must actors conform to a certain "beauty standard" to be commercially successful? Siddiqui’s rise to fame is proof that the power of acting transcends appearance. Yet, this is not the case for most in the industry. If we’re being honest, the idea of beauty in Bollywood is not an accurate reflection of the Indian populace, which is diverse in color, shape, size, and identity.

Moreover, Siddiqui’s statement also questions the larger issue of society’s obsession with physical beauty. The average Indian, especially from the lower middle class, often doesn’t conform to the narrow standards that Bollywood continues to celebrate. Shouldn’t our cinema, which is the mirror to our culture, reflect a more realistic image of the country? Shouldn’t it celebrate all forms of beauty, rather than just a select few?

It is time for Bollywood to rethink its beauty standards. While physical appearance is still crucial in an industry built on visuals, it should not overshadow talent and character. Cinema, after all, is about storytelling, not just showcasing perfect faces. Siddiqui’s voice, as unconventional as it may be, serves as a reminder that true beauty lies not in the way we look, but in the way we feel, express, and connect with each other.