It is Nawazuddin Siddiqui's birthday and wishes are pouring in from all corners of the globe. The actor is all set to give his fans a treat with Jogira Sara Ra Ra releasing next week (May 26). Ahead of the film's release, PeepingMoon spoke to the veteran actor.

Talking to us, Nawazuddin opened up about his decision to take up challenging and diverse roles. He further clarified his 'OTT is a dumping ground' statement and revealed he is open to doing web films and shows but only if the quality is up to the mark.

Excerpts from the interview: 

Is it a conscious decision to do diverse roles with every new project?

It is my aim to do diverse roles. That's how I will be able to enjoy it the most. Mehnat karne ka mauka mil jata hai. Let's see kitna aage tak jaa sakte hai lekin I'll always try to do something different. 

Why did you say yes to Jogira Sara Ra Ra?

I have done close to 100 comedy plays in theatre so I wanted to do something light-hearted. Jogira Sara Ra Ra is a fun film and a clean family entertainer.  

Has your process of choosing scripts changed over the years? 

You understand what works best and what does with experience. For me, a script has to challenge me. 

In 2021, you quit OTT and called it a 'dumping ground'. Do you still stick to that stand of yours? 

OTT is a great medium and I cannot deny that because even my films will release on some platforms. I have a problem with filmmakers who make redundant stuff and dump them on OTT. My series, Sacred Games, reached the Emmys and that's only because of OTT's power. We often tend to focus on quantity than quality. Humare yaha quantity hoti hai, quality khatam ho jaati hai.

What's your opinion on the North vs South debate? 

There's no reason for competition. They're making films and so are we. 

People are growing intolerant and films are the soft target. What's your say on it?

A film should be viewed cinematically only. There's no scope for hatred or polarised opinion in art. Cinema ka kaam hota hai logon ko jodna, todna nahi. Humari filmon mein, end mein villain mar jaata hai kyunki voh bura hai. Acche insaan ki jeet hoti hai taki log uske dekh ke acchai seekh jaye. Filmein pyaar badhane ke liye hoti hai, jodne ke liye hoti hai na ki nafrat failane ke liye. Agar koi cinema aapko tod raha hai, toh voh cinema nahi hai. Art insaniyat se judi hoti hai. 

The younger generation of actors enjoys greater popularity due to social media presence, fashion events etc. Does it ever concern you?

See, I am an actor. I don't understand fashion, vanity etc. I am doing well as an actor and that's all. Social media is used only for film promotions because that's my job. I never focus on social media activities beyond that. I understand the younger generation uses social media. They must be believing it will help them professionally but I believe social media aur PR activities aapki credibility as an actor ko zyada din nahi hold kar payenge. Marketing aur PR thode time ke liye theek hota hai aur aapko upar laake rakh deta hai but maintain karne ke liye skills toh chahiye hi na. 

What gave you that push to explore Hollywood?

I don't pay attention to Hollywood or Bollywood. Jahan accha kaam mile, vaha jaunga. If people respect me as an actor, I don't need anything else. Hazaron khwahishein aisi ki har khwahish pe dum nikle. Desires ki koi seema nahi hoti. 

Do you wish to see sequels of your projects?

I am not in favour of that because that's formula. Formula mein ghusna hi nahi hai. A lot of people asked me if Sacred Games is getting a third part. No, it won't and even if it comes, I will not be a part of it. The story was done with the second season. The same goes for Gangs Of Wasseypur. The third part will not come because there's no story beyond the second part. Ek character agar popular ho gaya toh uska kachumbar mat nikalo.