Shakespeare in Versova: Nawazuddin Siddiqui builds a mansion that breaks every Bollywood rule

Produced by: Mohsin Shaikh

Room to Palace

From sleeping with five roommates in Goregaon to designing a three-storey mansion in Versova—Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s journey is literal rags to Nawab.

Named for Nawab

The mansion is called Nawab, a tribute to his late father. But there’s more—it’s also a brick-by-brick recreation of his childhood home in Budhana. Who does that?

Colonial Comfort

Muted walls, vintage decor, and zero film posters. Nawaz’s aesthetic pulls straight from colonial times—with one shock of color: a bright red pool table.

Theatre Over Fame

No movie stills in sight. Instead, his walls salute Shakespeare’s Hamlet, Othello, and Romeo—roles Nawaz once lived during NSD days. “I still want to feel like I’m learning,” he says.

Balcony of Dreams

The balcony was inspired by Romeo and Juliet—and it blooms with the actor’s obsession: rare flowers. “I wanted color from plants, not paint,” he explains.

Gym With A Grin

Yes, there’s a home gym. No, he doesn’t use it. “Main zyada gym waala hu nahi,” Nawaz shrugs. It’s there because… why not?

The Green Room

He built a full-blown makeup room—with bright bulbs, wood panels, and mirrors—where he gets ready for shoots. Not vanity. Just routine, ritual, and theatre discipline.

Wall of Fame, Minus Ego

His stairway displays every award he's ever won—but Nawaz doesn’t believe in them. “They don’t matter,” he says, though he admits: they still mean something.

Acting Is Hereditary

Among all the accolades hangs one certificate: his daughter’s acting workshop distinction from London. “Paagal hai vo acting ke lie,” Nawaz beams. Like father, like daughter?