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Nawazuddin Siddiqui's iconic performance as Faisal Khan in Anurag Kashyap's Gangs of Wasseypur has become synonymous with Indian cinema's most memorable characters. However, few know that the actor's journey into the role was initially influenced by Hollywood legends. Siddiqui revealed that he had tried to emulate Al Pacino on the first day of shooting, much to Kashyap's dismay.

Nawazuddin Siddiqui according to a report in Flimfare said, “I went on the first day acting like Al Pacino. I had thought about emulating him beforehand. Thoda bhoot chaaya hua tha. I used to have phases – Robert De Niro for three months, Al Pacino for three months, and Brando.” Kashyap noticed something off about Siddiqui's performance and approached him after the day's shoot, and said, “Bewakoof hai kya tu? Don’t do that, you will become stiff and stuck at one place.”

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Siddiqui shared how Kashyap's words stuck with him. The director told him, “Woh mera kaam hai, main tere peeche 6 foot ke log khade kardunga, apne aap powerful lagega. Don’t do anything, be normal.” Siddiqui couldn't sleep that night, feeling that Kashyap was right. The next day, he approached the character with a new mindset, and said, “Bhaad mein jaaye, main Nawaz hu, main jaisa dikhta hu vaisa hi jaakar karunga.”

This transformation clearly worked, as Gangs of Wasseypur went on to become both a box-office hit and a critical success. Siddiqui's portrayal of Faisal Khan cemented his place in Indian cinema's pantheon of memorable characters. The ensemble cast, including Manoj Bajpayee, Huma Qureshi, Richa Chadha, Pankaj Tripathi, and Jaideep Ahlawat, contributed to the movie's cult status.

One of the best Asian film series of all time. Gangs of Wasseypur, the critically acclaimed Indian gangster drama, in my opinion should have a Criterion Blu-Ray release.
byu/Pussioting incriterion

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Gangs of Wasseypur's success can be attributed to the chemistry between the cast and the director's vision. Currently the actor is gearing up for his movie Thama which is set to release this October. Nawaz will be seen alongside Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna among others.