Nawazuddin's escape from Maoists

It was a close shave for Nawazuddin Siddiqui who was shooting for Buddhadeb Dasgupta’s Anwar Ka Ajab Kissa in Maoist-infested area of Shimultala in Bihar. Apparently beautiful hill resort is very well known for its Maoist activities. Nawaz and his unit braved the dangers as the film demanded the location. However on Friday the crew had to hastily leave Shimultala to avoid a confrontation with the Maoists. Says Nawaz, “We had to wrap up for our shooting on Friday and quickly leave as there was a bandh call from the Maoists in Saturday. No one in the area dares to defy closure orders from the Maoists. We had no option but to pack our bags and leave.’ The rest of the shooting was completed in Kolkata. Speaking on Buddhadeb Dasgupta’s film Nawaz says, “I wanted to work with Buddadeb Dasgupta from the time I saw his film Tahader Katha. It was visually stunning. And also, this brilliant director returns to Hindi cinema for the first time since he made Andhi Gali.”