Saleem Mairaj Responds to Nawazuddin Siddiqui Comparisons
In the world of showbiz, it’s not uncommon for actors to encounter their lookalikes. For instance, Hollywood stars Isla Fisher and Amy Adams have often been humorously referred to as twins. Similarly, Pakistani actor Saleem Mairaj has found himself frequently compared to Indian actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui, much to his chagrin.
During a recent appearance on the talk show Gup Shab, Mairaj was once again reminded of this ongoing comparison when a viewer asked, “Do you see this as a compliment or an unnecessary comparison?” Without hesitation, Mairaj responded, “I must have been asked this more than 200 times, and honestly, I don’t understand it. I just don’t see the resemblance.”
Mairaj shared a humorous experience that highlighted the absurdity of these comparisons. He recounted a visit to a passport office where two women mistook him for Siddiqui. “I was standing in line when one of them, having just watched Bajrangi Bhaijaan, turned to her friend and exclaimed, ‘Look! There’s that man from the film we saw last night!’” he recalled, feigning indignation. “They didn’t recognize Saleem Mairaj, but they were convinced they spotted Nawazuddin Siddiqui!”
Despite Mairaj’s disbelief, the physical similarities between the two talented actors cannot be denied. Siddiqui has carved out a prominent place in Indian cinema, gaining fame for his role as a hot-tempered intelligence officer in the critically acclaimed film Gangs of Wasseypur in 2012. Most recently, he appeared in the film Tiku Weds Sheru.
On the other hand, Mairaj began his journey in the arts as a theatre actor before transitioning to television in the 1990s. He made his film debut in 2007 with Zibahkhana and later featured in director Nabeel Qureshi’s popular comedies Na Maloom Afraad (2014) and its sequel, Na Maloom Afraad 2 (2017). This year, he also made a cameo in Na Baligh Afraad (2024), completing his connection to this beloved franchise.
As the debate continues about their resemblance, Saleem Mairaj remains focused on his craft, determined to carve out his own unique identity in the entertainment industry.
