More Than Nepotism, Bollywood Has A Racism Problem, Says Actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui

Amidst the never-ending nepotism debate in the Indian film industry, Actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui has now raised another critical question.

More than nepotism, the Hindi film industry has a racism problem, says Nawazuddin Siddiqui, who has been fighting against it.

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In a recent interview with Bollywood Hungama, Nawazuddin spoke about his 'Serious Man' co-actor Indira Tiwari and how filmmakers still haven't cast her for lead roles.

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He was quoted in the report as saying, "Sudhir Saab (Sudhir Mishra-director of Serious Men) has immense knowledge about cinema, and his thought process is very practical. He cast her as the heroine, and I can guarantee that there is so much racism in our industry; I will be very happy if she is cast as the lead again. Sudhir Mishra did it, but what about the head honchos in charge? More than nepotism, we have a racism problem."

Talking about his battle against existing biases in the industry, he said he has been fighting against it. He added,

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"It's very important. I'm not even talking about skin color; there is a bias that exists in the industry which needs to end for better films to be made¡­ I was rejected for many years only because I'm short, and I look a certain way, although I can't complain now."

The actor, who has always received praises from fans and critical appreciation by the critics, made headlines when his film "Serious Men' bagged a nomination for India as part of the 2021 International Emmy Awards.

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Siddiqui secured a nomination in the best performance by an actor category for his Netflix movie 'Serious Men.'

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The film revolved around the twisted journey of an ambitious underachiever who capitalizes on his son's newfound fame as a boy-genius to turn his family's fortune.

The film has undertones of caste discrimination and upper-class privilege.