When the producer said that this dry boy will become a don? Know how Gangs of Wasseypur survived:

News India Live, Digital Desk: Today ‘Gangs of Wasseypur’ is counted among the best films of Hindi cinema. Its characters, dialogues and story, everything has settled in the hearts of people. How can anyone forget Nawazuddin Siddiqui especially in the role of Faizal Khan! But do you know that there was a time when this film was on the verge of closure even before it was made? And the reason for this was none other than Nawazuddin Siddiqui himself.

The film’s director Anurag Kashyap himself revealed this in a recent interview. He told how the producers of the film were not at all ready to cast Nawazuddin in the role of Faizal Khan.

Producers did not trust Nawaz

Anurag Kashyap told that when he started casting for the film, he wanted to cast Nawazuddin Siddiqui for the role of Faizal Khan, son of Sardar Khan. Nawaz was new in the industry at that time and was not a big name. When the producers came to know that Nawaz was going to play this important role, they were shocked.

The producers believed that Faizal Khan’s character was that of a gang leader, who should look domineering and powerful. He said to Anurag, “How will Faizal Khan look like? He is such a thin boy, he has no personality at all. How will anyone get scared after seeing him?” Producers were afraid that their film would flop because of a weak looking actor.

When Anurag threatened to leave the film

The pressure from the producers increased so much that they asked Anurag to change the actor. The matter reached such an extent that the film had to be shut down. But Anurag Kashyap remained adamant on his point. He had full confidence in Nawaz’s ability.

Anurag told in the interview, “I clearly told him that if Faizal Khan’s role will not be played by Nawaz, then this film will not be made. I will leave this film.” After this tough stance of Anurag, the producers had to bow down and agreed to cast Nawaz, but their doubts remained.

Ultimately, when the film was released, Nawazuddin Siddiqui created history with his acting. The character of Faizal Khan became one of the most memorable characters of Hindi cinema. He proved that to look strong an actor does not need a body but strong acting. Today the same producers never get tired of praising Anurag Kashyap’s decision. This incident shows how important it is for a director to trust his thinking.