14 September 2026 Punjab Khabarnama Bureau : Actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui has recalled the extraordinary phase of his career following the success of Gangs of Wasseypur 2, saying he was flooded with film offers and even had blank cheques placed before him.
The actor, known for his unconventional choices and intense performances, said he nevertheless chose not to accept projects simply because they came with lucrative financial offers.
200 Scripts Came After Success
Speaking about the period after Gangs of Wasseypur 2, Nawazuddin said he had around 200 scripts lying on his table.
The sudden surge in offers reflected the impact of his performance and the recognition he received after the film’s success.
According to the actor, producers were eager to sign him for a wide range of projects as his popularity and demand increased.
Blank Cheques Were Also Offered
Nawazuddin recalled that producers were willing to go as far as placing blank cheques in front of him.
He said they effectively told him to write whatever amount he wanted, giving him considerable freedom to decide his remuneration.
Despite the tempting offers, the actor said he did not simply chase money or accept projects indiscriminately.
‘Didn’t Pick Any’
Reflecting on that phase, Nawazuddin said he ultimately didn’t pick any of the scripts that came to him at the time.
His decision highlights his approach to choosing roles, with the actor often favouring distinctive characters and challenging stories over projects driven solely by commercial considerations.
Gangs Of Wasseypur Changed His Career
Gangs of Wasseypur 2, directed by Anurag Kashyap, played an important role in establishing Nawazuddin as one of Hindi cinema’s most respected performers.
The film featured him as Faizal Khan, a character whose journey became one of the most memorable aspects of the crime saga.
His performance helped cement his reputation for portraying complex and unconventional characters.
From Struggle to Stardom
Before achieving mainstream recognition, Nawazuddin spent years working in smaller roles and struggling to establish himself in the Hindi film industry.
His breakthrough demonstrated how a distinctive acting style could eventually attract major attention, even without the conventional image of a mainstream Bollywood hero.
He Continued Choosing Unconventional Roles
After his rise to prominence, Nawazuddin continued to work across independent cinema, mainstream Bollywood and streaming projects.
He has repeatedly chosen roles that allow him to experiment with different characters rather than limiting himself to a particular screen image.
Money Was Not the Only Priority
The actor’s recollection also offers an insight into the choices actors face after a major breakthrough.
A sudden flood of offers can bring financial opportunities, but accepting every project can also affect an actor’s long-term career trajectory.
Nawazuddin’s decision to be selective helped reinforce his image as a performer who values the material and character.
A Career Built on Performance
Nawazuddin’s journey remains notable because his career was built largely around acting ability rather than conventional commercial-star credentials.
From supporting parts to acclaimed lead performances, he gradually became one of the industry’s most recognisable character actors.
A Defining Career Phase
The period following Gangs Of Wasseypur 2 represented a major turning point for Nawazuddin.
The hundreds of scripts and blank cheques he recalled receiving reflected how dramatically his professional standing had changed.
His decision to remain selective also underlined the importance he placed on choosing the right work at a crucial stage of his career.