Nandita Das: Nawazuddin Siddiqui Charged ₹1 For ‘Manto’ Because “There’s More To Life Than Money”

In Bollywood, industry celebrities charging sky-high fees and that is kept secret but Nawazuddin does not fall in the same. Especially, when his latest movie “Manto” is taken into account.

In a recent media interaction, director of this film Nandita Das revealed that Nawazuddin Siddiqui did not charge big amount for this film – he only charged Re 1 as his fees for his latest venture “Manto”.

According to NDTV, Nandita Das revealed to IANS,

“This is the character that an actor would give an arm and a leg for. But do not charge even a nominal fee is very gracious of Nawaz. I always had Nawaz in mind while writing “Manto”. He has many traits that are similar to “Manto” – a deep sensitivity and intensity, anger, and a dry sense of humour. These innate qualities in Nawaz helped him transition into “Manto” on screen quite effortlessly” she added.

In the same interview, Nandita Das also mentioned,”Rishi Kapoor and Gurdas Maan said yes in our first meeting. I also reached out to many whom I knew well and have used up all my goodwill to get a stellar cast that truly does justice to the characters in the film.

And it’s not just Nawazuddin but also his Co-stars in the movie which includes Rishi Kapoor, Javed Akhtar, Gurdas Maan, Rajshree Deshpande, Ranvir Shorey, Swanand Kirkire did not charge anything for the film.

Actor Nawazuddin had worked on the movie “Haraamkhor” with Shweta Tripathi, he had only charged Re 1 as a token amount. So, this is not the first time that Nawazuddin has worked in a movie for free.

Many Bollywood films with a strong storyline and prominent subject often get shelved for lack of financial support. Such acts, by well-known actors like Nawazuddin, go out of the way and support to filmmakers and make such great films.

The biographical drama film, “Manto” written and directed by Nandita Das is set to release in Indian theatres on 21 September 2018.