In a heartwarming display of passion for cinema over commerce, acclaimed actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui reportedly did not charge any fee for his role in the upcoming film Main Actor Nahin Hoon. Director Aditya Kripalani made this revelation while praising the actor’s humility and professionalism in a recent interview.
Speaking to Filmfare, Aditya shared, “He was an absolute professional. He even bought his own ticket to reach Frankfurt, all by himself. He didn’t come with his manager.” He further highlighted the significance of Nawazuddin’s gesture: “Him not charging a fee is a big thing, really big… When someone like Nawaz doesn’t charge money, you can actually turn around and say, ‘This is my earning.’ It’s one of the high points of my career.”
This is not the first time Nawazuddin has prioritised meaningful stories over money. He had earlier accepted just Re 1 for his role in the 2018 biographical drama Manto, directed by Nandita Das
Main Actor Nahin Hoon, written and directed by Aditya Kripalani, stars Nawazuddin as Adnan Baig, a retired banker in Frankfurt, who connects via video call with Mouni (Chitrangada Satarupa), a disciplined Mumbai actor, during an online audition. Their one-day remote acting session becomes a deeply emotional journey, uncovering hidden truths and unresolved feelings. The film was shot live across India and Germany, making it a unique cross-continental indie project.
The movie premiered at the Cinequest Film Festival in March 2025 and has won several accolades on the festival circuit. Nawazuddin received the Best Actor award at the New York Indian Film Festival, while Chitrangada Satarupa also won Best Actress. Aditya Kripalani bagged the Best Director (Jury) prize at the DC South Asian Film Festival. After a UK theatrical run in October 2025, the film is now set for its Indian release on May 8, 2026.
Aditya Kripalani’s comments underline Nawazuddin’s dedication to authentic storytelling. In an industry often driven by big paycheques, such gestures from established stars continue to inspire upcoming filmmakers and audiences alike. As Main Actor Nahin Hoon prepares for its theatrical debut, the buzz around Nawazuddin’s selfless contribution adds even more emotional weight to this intimate, cross-border drama