How Nawazuddin Siddiqui became Bal Thackeray

Make-up artist Preetisheel Singh, who had transformed Nawazuddin Siddiqui for his role in Mom, has once again worked on the actor’s get-up, for him to suit the lead role in Thackeray, a biopic on late Shiv Sena supremo Bal Thackeray.

The striking resemblance that Singh has managed to give Siddiqui for the role with prosthetics and make-up has found much praise.

“I’m grateful to the makers for having shown faith and trust in my work. When a legendary personality such as Balasaheb Thackeray is being brought to life on celluloid, the responsibility is tremendous,” Singh said.

Impressed by Siddiqui’s dedication, she said: “He is not only a brilliant actor but one who treats his art and profession like prayers. During the three-odd hours that it took to get him into the look, his studious silence and study of his face were inspiring. It was as if he was in a meditative mode.”

She says he was worried and anxious about getting the look right.

“When Nawazuddin finally emerged out of the make-up room for the first time in the get-up, everyone had a very judging look on their faces. And then, suddenly I saw huge smiles everywhere,” she said about the moment when she heaved a sigh of relief.

Directed by Abhijit Panse and written by Sanjay Raut, the film Thackeray will release on January 23, 2019, in Hindi and Marathi.