Because my most recent work is proprietary, I have edited previously published work written by others to showcase my editing proficiency. The following blog, written by Bhupinder Nayyar of India https://www.bameslog.com/post/dL6iiKf9xxfLLexZ, was edited using AP online style. SEO terms were inserted to promote the actor.

Can you survive in Mumbai for 6 months without spending a penny ?
Most of you will resoundingly say NO, but this guy did what seems impossible.

https://www.facebook.com/NawazuddinSiddiqui/

Despite his barren pockets during a personal low, this man forged ahead determined to achieve his lifelong goal.

This is the story of film star Nawazuddin Siddiqui  long before his rise to international stardom. Most of you probably started noticing him after such blockbusters as Kahaani  (2012) and Gangs of Wasseypur (2012), but Siddiqui had been around Bollywood a long time beforehand playing minor movie and television  roles.

He graduated from the prestigious National School of Drama (NSD) in New Delhi, India, and rushed to Mumbai to showcase what he thought were incredible acting skills.  Siddiqui was sure his dream would be fulfilled in no time. But he was wrong. In the Indian film industry there are two questions that have to be positively answered before becoming successful: “Was/Is your father/grandfather/mother/uncle an actor/actress/director?”  AND “Do you have a good-looking face and a six pack/size zero figure?”

Siddiqui had to reply no to both. He didn’t have any of the above.  He said, “Sir, I know acting.” The execs laughed, saying, “Hah! Even we don’t know what acting is. How can you know that?”

But he didn’t give up. He started playing bit roles where he was part of a crowd or had dialogue which you could miss if retrieving fallen popcorn. But even in those small roles, he made an impact and began making money.  Siddiqui was initially noticed by a few people who had struggled just like him. One such person was then Bollywood film star Irrfan Khan, who can now be seen in Hollywood movies as well. He praised Siddiqui’s short, yet powerful, performance in the major Bollywood film New York in 2009.  Since then, Siddiqui has had major roles in more than 20 films. And the rest, as they say, is history.

Photo: IndianExpress