Actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui has addressed long-circulating reports of discord between him and his The Lunchbox co-star, the late Irrfan Khan. In a recent conversation with Hindi Rush, Nawazuddin firmly stated that the rumours did not reflect the truth of their relationship, emphasising the deep respect and connection he shared with the acclaimed actor.
Speaking about the alleged “tiff”, Nawazuddin said the speculation was largely a creation of the news cycle. “That was just the news. I don’t think everything reported in the news is the truth,” he said, adding that the team of The Lunchbox operated under a tight budget and could not afford to engage in unnecessary distractions.
The actor went on to describe Irrfan as a mentor-like figure, revealing how closely the two worked even beyond their films. “Irrfan bhai was my senior, and we shared a very long association. When he was preparing for his Hollywood projects, I would sit with him, read lines and give cues so he could rehearse. His aashirvaad was always there. I saw him as an elder brother,” Nawazuddin said.
The Lunchbox, released in 2013, became a global festival favourite, earning recognition at Cannes, Zurich, London and Toronto, and securing a BAFTA nomination. Nawazuddin also recalled knowing Irrfan long before their mainstream success, even acting in a 2007 project Alvida, directed by the late star.Irrfan Khan passed away in 2020 at the age of 53, leaving behind a legacy celebrated across the world.
