Indian actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui has stirred fresh debate in the Hindi film industry after making blunt remarks about the nature of storytelling in modern cinema.
Speaking during a television programme, the Bollywood actor criticised many contemporary films, describing them as “fake” and questioning the direction in which Hindi cinema is heading.
According to Siddiqui, fabricated narratives are increasingly shaping the industry, but audiences today are well aware of the realities behind such stories.
He stressed that society should not be pushed in the wrong direction and that truth remains essential in storytelling.
“Truth is very important. Today people know the reality. The kind of films being made, you know the truth behind them, but you do not talk about it,” he said during the conversation.
During the programme, Siddiqui was also asked whether filmmakers should play a role in guiding society through cinema at a time when the world is experiencing rising tensions and conflicts.
Responding to the question, the actor said that people today closely follow global developments and understand how different narratives are constructed.
“Fake films are being made here and everyone knows it. People know what is happening in the world and they also know the real truth. They understand which narratives are being created and which lies are being spread,” he said.
His remarks have once again revived an old debate in Bollywood about whether cinema should remain purely a source of entertainment or strive to stay closer to social and political realities.