Salim Meraj, one of Pakistan’s most versatile and respected actors, recently shared an amusing yet frustrating incident from his life, one that many fans may not have expected. During his appearance on the comedy show Gap Shap, Meraj opened up about the constant comparisons he faces with Bollywood actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui, revealing how it makes him uncomfortable and even a little angry.
The incident he recounted was both humorous and revealing. Years ago, while waiting in line to renew his passport, women standing nearby mistook him for Nawazuddin Siddiqui. This wasn’t just a one-off mistake—it happened shortly after the release of Bajrangi Bhaijaan, a popular Bollywood movie in which Nawazuddin had a prominent role. The women, thinking Meraj was the Bollywood actor, excitedly referred to him as the man from Bajrangi Bhaijaan. While it may seem funny, for Salim Meraj, the moment highlighted a deeper issue.
During the show, Meraj explained how often people make such comparisons, assuming that he and Nawazuddin are the same or similar because of their intense acting skills. Although Meraj has a lot of respect for Nawazuddin Siddiqui, he finds it frustrating when people don’t recognize him as his own person, especially in Pakistan, where he has established himself through years of dedicated work.
What made the incident particularly troubling for Salim Meraj was that despite his success in Pakistani cinema and television, people were more familiar with his Bollywood counterpart. He expressed that such comparisons diminish his unique contributions to the entertainment industry and make him feel overshadowed by Indian actors. “Why don’t people see me for who I am, as an individual actor?” Meraj questioned. He emphasized that Nawazuddin, though a brilliant actor, should not be the standard by which he is judged.
Meraj’s thoughts were echoed by the host, Wase Chaudhry, who pointed out that perhaps people compare him to Nawazuddin because they believe both actors have a similar depth in their performances. But Meraj still feels that comparisons with Indian actors don’t give enough credit to local talent like him. He argued that there are other talented Indian actors, such as Vijay Raaz and the late Irrfan Khan, who could also be compared to him, but that doesn’t happen.
This isn’t the first time Salim Meraj has been asked about Nawazuddin Siddiqui either. In fact, he joked that he has been asked the same question over 200 times in different programs and interviews, and each time, it bothers him. He wants people to recognize and appreciate the homegrown talent that Pakistan has to offer, rather than always looking across the border for comparison.
Salim Meraj, known for his standout roles in dramas and films, from Lal Kabootar to Moor, has always demonstrated incredible range and depth in his acting. His ability to portray different characters with authenticity is what has earned him a loyal fanbase in Pakistan. So, when people mistake him for another actor, it feels like his hard work is being overlooked.
In conclusion, Salim Meraj’s story is not just a reflection of his personal experiences but also speaks to a larger issue in the entertainment industry. Comparisons between Pakistani and Indian actors are common, but it’s essential to recognize and celebrate local talent for who they are, without always looking for parallels across the border. For Meraj, it’s not just about being recognized—it’s about being seen for his talent, his contributions, and his individuality as an artist.\
Read More here:https://behindthecurtain.blog/hira-mani-whom-she-meets-tells-him-that-he-is-looking-good-usama-khan/
