Nawazuddin Siddiqui, who once said he had never played a character like Aslam Shaikh, just dropped a gem on NDTV. The actor’s reflection on a role that felt like uncharted territory hits home on the film’s 13th anniversary.
Batra’s 2013 debut, The Lunchbox, roped in Irrfan Khan as Saajan, Nimrat Kaur as Ila, and turned a simple lunchbox mix‑up into a global moment of quiet connection. It premiered at Cannes’ Critics’ Week that year, earning praise for its understated storytelling.
He recalls Aslam’s Dubai‑return, practical swagger, and the way he shrugged off sorrow – all traits that "made me want to play him." Siddiqui notes the character’s lack of baggage and his refusal to let grief dictate his path, a philosophy that resonated with the actor and the audience.
So when the film celebrated 13 years, the star’s words felt like a fresh slice of the original magic. Fans can revisit the story on streaming now, and Siddiqui’s candidness reminds us why the film still matters.