Nawazuddin Siddiqui says he has ‘not seen any work’ of Deepika Padukone

Bollywood is a world where every word from an A-list actor can send ripples through the industry and social media.

Recently, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, one of the most respected actors in Indian cinema, found himself in the eye of a storm after making some candid comments about two of Bollywood’s leading ladies—Deepika Padukone and Shraddha Kapoor.

His remarks, seemingly nonchalant, have ignited a fierce debate among fans, leaving many questioning his intentions and wondering if this was a genuine admission or a deliberate attempt to stir controversy.

Nawazuddin’s Surprising Admission

Nawazuddin Siddiqui, known for his versatile roles in films like Gangs of Wasseypur and Manto, was recently promoting his latest music video Saiyaan Ki Bandook when the unexpected happened.

During a light-hearted segment where he was asked to assign hashtags to some of the industry’s top female actors, the actor dropped a bombshell that few saw coming.

When asked for a hashtag for Deepika Padukone, Bollywood’s reigning queen and the new mommy of B-Town, Siddiqui’s response left many in shock.

He stated, “Maine koi kaam dekha nai hai” (I haven’t seen any of her work), and followed it up with “I don’t know,” implying that he was unfamiliar with her career.

For someone as established and respected as Nawazuddin, such a statement was not only surprising but also baffling, considering Padukone’s meteoric rise in Bollywood and her international fame.

Deepika Padukone has delivered numerous blockbuster hits, including Chennai Express, Padmaavat, Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, and Piku.

Her performances have earned her critical acclaim, and she is often regarded as one of the finest actors of her generation.

Siddiqui’s claim of not having seen any of her work immediately struck a chord with fans, many of whom took to social media to express their disbelief and outrage.

The Shraddha Kapoor Comment

If Siddiqui’s comments about Deepika were shocking, his remarks about Stree 2 actress Shraddha Kapoor were no less unexpected.

When asked about Shraddha, another A-lister who has proven her talent in films like Aashiqui 2, Baaghi, and Stree, Nawazuddin simply shrugged and said, “I don’t know anything about Shraddha.”

This offhand comment added fuel to the already growing fire, leading many to wonder if Siddiqui was deliberately distancing himself from mainstream Bollywood or if he genuinely hadn’t followed the careers of these successful women.

Much like Deepika, Shraddha Kapoor has a massive fan base, and her portrayal of varied roles has garnered both commercial success and critical acclaim.

Nawazuddin’s seemingly dismissive attitude towards Shraddha’s work raised eyebrows, with fans accusing him of downplaying the achievements of his female contemporaries.

Praise for Avneet Kaur

While Siddiqui’s remarks about Deepika Padukone and Shraddha Kapoor were viewed as controversial, his comments on young actress Avneet Kaur were in stark contrast.

He praised Kaur, with whom he worked in last year’s romantic-comedy Tiku Weds Sheru, calling her a “bahut kamaal” (amazing) and “self-dependent” actor. He also described her as a brilliant talent, a statement that many saw as an effort to highlight emerging talent in Bollywood.

It was clear that Siddiqui has a high regard for Kaur’s abilities, which made his earlier comments on established actresses even more perplexing.

Was this a case of Siddiqui genuinely being unaware of the work of his fellow actors, or was it an attempt to shift the focus to fresh talent in the industry?

Fan Reactions and Social Media Uproar

As soon as Nawazuddin’s comments made their way to the public, social media erupted with reactions. Fans of Deepika Padukone and Shraddha Kapoor were quick to defend their favorite stars, taking to Twitter, Instagram, and various other platforms to voice their opinions.

Many felt that Nawazuddin’s remarks were disrespectful and unnecessary, especially considering the contributions both actresses have made to Bollywood.

One Twitter user wrote, “How can Nawazuddin Siddiqui not know about Deepika’s work? She’s literally one of the biggest stars we have!” Another commented, “Shraddha has been part of some of the biggest hits in recent years, and Nawazuddin says he doesn’t know her work? That’s just absurd!”

However, there were also those who defended Siddiqui, suggesting that perhaps he was simply being honest and wasn’t following mainstream Bollywood films. A fan of Siddiqui’s tweeted, “Not everyone has to watch every Bollywood film. Nawaz has his own style and maybe he genuinely hasn’t seen Deepika’s or Shraddha’s films. It’s not a crime.”

The mixed reactions highlighted the divide between fans of mainstream Bollywood cinema and those who gravitate towards the kind of offbeat, independent films that Siddiqui is often associated with.

The Larger Debate: Bollywood’s Divides

Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s comments have once again brought to the forefront the divide that exists within Bollywood.

On one hand, there is the world of big-budget, star-driven films featuring actors like Deepika Padukone and Shraddha Kapoor, who enjoy immense commercial success.

On the other hand, there are actors like Siddiqui, who are celebrated for their performances in more niche, independent films.

This divide isn’t new, but Siddiqui’s remarks have reignited the conversation about how mainstream actors and films are perceived by those in more experimental cinema.

Some believe that actors like Siddiqui may feel disconnected from the world of commercial Bollywood, while others think it’s important to bridge the gap between these two spheres of the industry.

What’s Next for Nawazuddin Siddiqui?

Despite the controversy surrounding his recent comments, Nawazuddin Siddiqui remains one of Bollywood’s most sought-after talents.

His latest release Adbhut, co-starring Diana Penty, has already premiered on Sony Max, and he has an impressive slate of films lined up, including Section 108, Oil Kumar, Noorani Chehra, and Sangeen.

Whether or not Siddiqui’s comments will have a lasting impact on his relationship with his peers in the industry remains to be seen.

However, one thing is clear: Nawazuddin Siddiqui has once again reminded everyone that he is unafraid to speak his mind, even if it means ruffling a few feathers along the way.

Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s surprising comments about not having seen any of Deepika Padukone’s or Shraddha Kapoor’s work have certainly sparked debate.

While some view his remarks as an honest admission, others see it as a slight against two of Bollywood’s most beloved actresses.

As the conversation continues, Siddiqui’s comments serve as a reminder of the complexities within the film industry and the diverse perspectives held by its stars.