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'Aced audition, kept two years in waiting': TV star Siddharth Nigam's mom shares how actor was ditched for

Published 2 days ago4 minute read
Business NewsMagazinesPanache'Aced audition, kept two years in waiting': TV star Siddharth Nigam's mom shares how actor was ditched for star kids for debut film
'Aced audition, kept two years in waiting': TV star Siddharth Nigam's mom shares how actor was ditched for star kids for debut film
ET Online
sid nigam devgnAgencies
Siddharth Nigam’s Silent Strength: Rejected, Yet Resilient
Siddharth Nigam has steadily risen through the ranks in the Indian entertainment world, earning widespread recognition for his work in Hindi television. He captivated audiences with his memorable performances in shows such as Chakravartin Ashoka Samrat, Chandra Nandini, and Aladdin – Naam Toh Suna Hoga. His impressive screen presence and strong acting skills earned him a notable role in Bollywood at a young age when he portrayed the younger version of Aamir Khan’s character in Dhoom 3, marking an impactful debut in mainstream cinema.Years later, Siddharth appeared to be on the brink of a major breakthrough when he was shortlisted to play a leading role in the 2025 film Azaad. This project, starring Ajay Devgn and Diana Penty, was also meant to launch new faces like Aaman Devgn, the nephew of Ajay Devgn, and Rasha Thadani, daughter of actress Raveena Tandon.

In an interview with Instant Bollywood, Siddharth’s mother later revealed how emotionally invested the family was in this opportunity. She had accompanied her son to initial meetings, during which the full script of the film was read out to them. They patiently waited for updates, believing this film could be a powerful platform for Siddharth's Bollywood launch.

However, their hopes were shattered when, after two years of silence, Siddharth discovered that Azaad had been released — but with different lead actors. The film, which hit theatres in January 2025, had gone ahead with Aaman and Rasha instead. Siddharth’s mother admitted that this turn of events caused her deep sorrow. Seeing her son replaced was painful, especially after dedicating so much time and emotional investment into what seemed like a career-defining opportunity. It was then that she realised the weight carried by star lineage in the film industry and how it often determined who got the final nod.

"After two years, Siddharth showed me the poster of Azaad and said, 'Mum, this has been released, and these are the people in the film.' Then we saw that the film starred Ajay Devgn’s nephew and Rasha. For the first time in my life, I felt bad. When things like this happen, as a mother, it hurts. Then I realised both of them were star kids, and that made all the difference," she told the channel.

While the experience was undoubtedly heartbreaking, Siddharth responded with a mature outlook. Rather than assigning blame, he viewed the situation as part of the professional landscape. He acknowledged that such incidents are common in show business and that decisions are often based on factors beyond talent alone. Although he initially felt crushed, he eventually made peace with the outcome, choosing not to dwell on the loss. Instead, he used the incident as a learning experience, accepting the industry’s unpredictability and resolving to stay focused on the journey ahead.In a separate conversation, Siddharth reminisced about the moment he was selected for Dhoom 3. The call came from casting director Shanoo Sharma, who worked with Yash Raj Films. At that time, Siddharth and his family had little knowledge of Mumbai’s film world and were hesitant about moving forward. Coming from a non-industry background, they even wondered if the casting call was genuine. Siddharth joked about how he feared being tricked, referencing crime-based TV shows that shaped his perceptions of unfamiliar cities.Through these experiences, Siddharth Nigam’s journey reflects the emotional highs and lows faced by outsiders in the industry — a story of talent, resilience, and quiet determination.

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