Nawazuddin Siddiqui creates the famous writer Manto’s world around him!
The world cannot forget the famous Indo-Pakistani writer Saadat Hasan Manto’s contribution to the world of literature. But what was his life like when he wasn’t penning down timeless stories such as Bombay Stories and Mottled Dawn? That’s a life that is hardly known with any kind of accuracy by his readers.
Nandita Das has taken on the task of directing the biopic which is based on Manto, the storyteller who is considered to be one of the greatest writers in the history of South Asia. Manto’s character will be played by none other than Nawazuddin Siddiqui
“…And it is also possible, that Saadat Hasan dies, but Manto remains alive,” The 42-year old actor revisits this quote by the author as he builds the writer’s world around him block-by-block.
The Gangs Of Wasseypur star has been watching Manto’s plays and literature in order to get into the zone of his character.
“I am preparing myself for the role of Manto. I have been watching his plays, listening to that era’s music, reading Manto and about him. If I get 10-15 days before the shooting starts I will try to create his world around me by putting up posters of Ismat Chugtai and the likes in my room,” stated Siddiqui during the Bharat Rang Mahotsav at National School of Drama.
The movie focuses on Manto’s journey, his relationship with his wife Safiyah and his life in the post-partition Lahore. Actress Rasika Dugal will be playing the female lead Safiyah. The first look of the film was recently released on Twitter:
— Nawazuddin Siddiqui (@Nawazuddin_S) February 2, 2017
We can’t wait for the storyteller’s story to be told. What a way to offer a tribute!
