News Analysis India

Tag: Nawazuddin Siddiqui

  • Nawazuddin Siddiqui to star in American indie film ‘Laxman Lopez’ 

    By PTI

    CANNES: Actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui is set to play the lead role in ‘Laxman Lopez’, an American independent production.

    According to Variety, the film is a Christmas-themed movie to be directed by Mexican filmmaker Roberto Girault, known for local hits ‘La Leyenda Del Diamante’ (2017), ‘Los Arboles Mueren de Pie’ (2015) and ‘El Estudiante’ (2009).

    Siddiqui, who is attending the 75th Cannes Film Festival as part of the Indian government delegation to the festival and the rights market where India has been named as the country of honour, said the script of ‘Laxman Lopez’ made him curious when it was first narrated to him.

    “The narration had me excited for multiple reasons. For starters, the opportunity to work in a Christmas movie is something very different and immediately had my attention. The director, Roberto Girault, has shown his power and command over the camera, and the way he can unveil new sides to an actor. It is a welcome challenge that I often yearn for. And most importantly, the name, ‘Laxman Lopez,’ had me instantly curious,” the actor said in a statement.

    Girault said when he first read the script his mind “navigated” to Siddiqui, adding he is looking forward to collaborating with the Indian actor, best known for ‘Gangs of Wasseypur’ films and ‘Sacred Games’, a Netflix series.

    “When first read the script, I started my search to find the perfect Laxman Lopez and my mind immediately navigated to Nawazuddin. I have seen a few of his works and know that this role will bring out a lesser-known vulnerable side to him. It is a project that is sure to leave people with a smile on their face, and a lot of hunger in their tummy,” the filmmaker said.

    “I am very excited about this collaboration. This script is close to my heart and the transition of the story and the challenges that the lead character faces are sure to have everyone intrigued,” he added.

    The project is led by New York-based shingle Imagine Infinite Prods and is produced by Lalit Bhatnagar, writer and co-producer of horror project ‘Little Darling’.

    Filming of ‘Laxman Lopez’ will begin at the end of this year in the US.

  • Court gives clean chit to actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui, family members in molestation case

    By PTI

    MUZAFFARNAGAR: A court here has given a clean chit to actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui and four of his family members in a molestation case.

    Sanjiv Kumar Tiwari, judge of special POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) court, on Wednesday directed police to present the closure report and produce the complainant in the court. The court gave a clean chit to Nawazuddin, his brothers Minazuddin, Fayazuddin, Ayazuddin and his mother Mehrunissa.

    According to the prosecution, Minazuddin had molested a minor family member in 2012, while the others had supported him. An FIR was registered at Mumbai’s Versova police station and later shifted to Budhana police station here.

    As per the court’s direction, police have asked the complainant to appear in court, Circle Officer Deputy Superintendent of Police Vinay Gautam told PTI.