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Indian actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui believes filmmakers in Bollywood are lying through their teeth and failing to guide Indian society in a positive direction.

He was speaking at NDTV’s Creator’s Manch when the host asked him whether filmmakers had a responsibility to give society direction with their work, especially in the context of increased global turmoil.

Siddiqui said, “Yes, of course, filmmakers shouldn’t take society in the wrong direction, the truth is very important and everyone today knows what the truth is.” He added that people knew “the reality behind [these films], even if nobody will say it”.

When pressed on whether Bollywood makes “narrative-based films”, the actor became even more adamant, “No, we’re lying in our films. We’re making fake films here and everyone knows this.”

The host asked Siddiqui if the situation in the world concerned him and whether he was keeping track of current events. He responded, saying, “Everyone is. Everyone is keeping track of what’s true and what lies are being propagated, what narrative is being built, everyone knows.”

The actor was also asked how he prepared to play the role of Pakistani writer Saadat Hasan Manto in a Hindi-language biography. He said he read Manto’s work and his willingness to pen down “harsh truths” made him realise what kind of person the writer was.

Siddiqui called Manto “fearless” and said writers today “think differently”. He also admitted there was a good bit of improv in his acting for the role because “no videos exist of Manto”.

Earlier in the programme, he was asked if it had become difficult for actors to take part in Indian politics, to which the Gangs of Wasseypur star said people need to focus on their own line of work. The actor said there was enough art for him spend a lifetime learning from and that he had “zero involvement” in politics.

In his advice to young actors, Siddiqui said they need to work hard, train and practice instead of hoping to catch a lucky break. He said many senior members of the industry credit their success to good fortune, but he had “zero per cent belief in luck”.

The actor said young actors need to train so hard, they become “impossible to ignore,” that’s the only route to success. He also said people must not quit the pursuit of their dreams, “even in you fail 10 times, you might succeed the 11th time”.