Siddharth Nigam, the young actor who portrayed the younger version of Aamir Khan's character in the blockbuster film Dhoom 3, has recently shared insights into how working with the Bollywood superstar shaped his early career. In various interviews and interactions, Nigam has expressed his admiration for Khan's dedication and the profound impact it had on his approach to acting.
Nigam, who has also gained recognition for his roles in television shows such as Chakravartin Ashoka Samrat and Aladdin – Naam Toh Suna Hoga, fondly recalls his experience on the set of Dhoom 3 as a masterclass in acting. He observed Khan's immersive approach to his characters, noting that Khan completely transformed and forgot himself while performing. This level of commitment deeply impressed Nigam, who has since strived to emulate it in his own performances.
According to Nigam, Aamir Khan advised him to forget who he was while acting and to truly feel the character he was embodying. This advice resonated strongly with the young actor, who has carried it with him throughout his career. Nigam believes that this dedication to the craft is what makes Khan a "perfectionist," a quality evident in all of his films.
Interestingly, Nigam's journey to Dhoom 3 was quite unexpected. Coming from a humble background in Prayagraj, where his mother ran a beauty parlor and he was focused on gymnastics, Nigam had no prior knowledge of the film industry. In fact, when he received the audition call from Yash Raj Films (YRF), he and his family were initially skeptical, unsure of the opportunity's legitimacy. Nigam even humorously admitted that he feared being tricked, a testament to his family's unfamiliarity with the workings of Bollywood. It was only after his brother researched YRF and casting director Shanoo Sharma that they realized the magnitude of the opportunity.
Despite his initial reservations, Nigam embraced the experience and has since expressed gratitude to YRF and the film fraternity for welcoming him. His role in Dhoom 3 launched his career, leading to numerous opportunities in both film and television.
Currently, Nigam is starring in the JioHotstar musical series, Hai Junoon, a role he identifies with closely. He sees parallels between himself and his character, Vikram, an aspiring singer chasing his dreams. Nigam believes that young audiences will relate to Vikram's journey of self-discovery, particularly the challenges faced by those from small towns entering the entertainment industry.
Looking back, Nigam acknowledges that he was blessed with early opportunities and doesn't consider his journey to have been filled with struggles. His experience working with Aamir Khan in Dhoom 3 served as a pivotal moment, instilling in him a deep appreciation for dedication and commitment to the craft of acting. It's a lesson that continues to inspire him as he navigates his career and strives to create compelling performances.