Nawazuddin Siddiqui's 16.66% video is a hard-hitting message for every Indian
At a time when the country stands deeply polarised on the lines of religion, Bollywood actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui, known for his offbeat, intense roles, has delivered another hard-hitting performance.
A video starring himself that the Gangs of Wasseypur actor posted on social media is a much-needed reminder of how we should separate religion from our work — be it politics, film, art and so on.
Sixteen Point Six Six...https://t.co/MKS9gBY6R1
— Nawazuddin Siddiqui (@Nawazuddin_S) April 24, 2017
It begins with Nawaz declaring, with placards, that he has got his DNA tested. The actor goes on to say that the test has revealed that he's 16.66 per cent each of many faiths — Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Christian and Buddhist.
Finally, he holds up a placard that says: When I discovered my soul, I found that…
At a time the word "secularism" finds an expletive-like derivative "sickular", which has become par for the course and dominates the discourse, the actor's video carries much importance.
With several Indian film industry artists, including filmmakers Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Karan Johar, coming under attack from religious extremists with a divisive agenda, Nawaz, without even saying a word in the video, has driven home the point — taut, poignant and scoring the bullseye.
Watch the full video here:
It is worth remembering that Siddiqui too had to face the ire of religious fanatics when he was "forced out" of a Ram Leela performance on account of Shiv Sena objecting to the fact that the actor, a Muslim, was playing the revered Hindu king Ram in a Hindu epic.
More power to the 16.66% Indian.
Watch this silent show-and-tell from @Nawazuddin_S An incredibly powerful message in just 50 seconds, without speaking a word https://t.co/sSFLPDk2CU
— Shekhar Gupta (@ShekharGupta) April 24, 2017
“But, when I discovered ‘my soul’ I found that I am a 100% artist.” Truer words have never been spoken. https://t.co/JaOgSP1wWu
— Rana Safvi ???? ???? (@iamrana) April 24, 2017
What a Great Message given by #NawazuddinSiddiqui.Here's a #MustWatch for every Indian!#bollywood #India #Indians #fanzoop pic.twitter.com/8Wqimymaex
— Fanzoop (@Fanzoop) April 24, 2017
Guys...it's Nawazuddin Siddhu-qui. pic.twitter.com/kuZCR0DmRC
— Sahil Shah (@SahilBulla) April 24, 2017
So much respect for @Nawazuddin_S. Thank you brother, for this. Made my day. https://t.co/ZTfKK5RQPJ
— Addie Kumar (@adityeah) April 24, 2017