"There’s No Packet in Acting" – Nawazuddin Siddiqui Opens Up About Guiding Ranveer Singh Before Stardom
- byPranay Jain
- 08 May, 2025

In a revelation that has taken Bollywood fans by surprise, Nawazuddin Siddiqui shared that he once trained Ranveer Singh before the latter made his smashing debut in Band Baaja Baaraat (2010). Though he refrained from taking credit for Ranveer’s rise, Nawaz did confirm that he was part of the early workshop sessions that helped shape the actor’s craft.
Nawazuddin’s Humble Take
In an interview with Pinkvilla, Nawaz said:
“I did [train him] for some time. At that time, I didn’t even imagine that two years later I’d be in Gangs of Wasseypur.”
He emphasized that acting can’t be taught like a formula:
“Acting can never be taught. There is no packet. You have to discover it yourself.”
He admitted that while he conducted workshops for aspiring actors, including Ranveer, the real journey of performance lies in an actor’s self-discovery.
Ranveer Singh’s Early Spark
Ranveer burst onto the scene with Band Baaja Baaraat, a modestly budgeted film that became a box office hit. His raw energy, spontaneity, and screen presence made an immediate mark, and he quickly became one of the most versatile actors in the industry.
Nawazuddin acknowledged this spark:
“He had his own ability… You can only show the path. Walking it is up to the actor.”
From Workshop to Stardom
The connection between two powerhouse performers — one known for his gritty realism, the other for his flamboyance — offers a fascinating glimpse into the behind-the-scenes ecosystem of Bollywood, where even stars like Ranveer Singh benefitted from early guidance by seasoned actors like Nawazuddin.