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29 March 2024

Bajrangi Bhaijaan: Chand Nawab, not Nawazuddin, is the hero

Pakistani TV journalist Chand Nawab attempting to record a perfect piece-to-camera. (Screen grab)

Published
By Ajanta Paul

Six years ago when Pakistani TV journalist Chand Nawab's video appeared on YouTube it went viral.

Shared on every possible platforms, his 'Piece-To-Camera' (P2C) for an Eid story saw people ROFL (rolling on the floor laughing).

But now Indian actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui portraying his character in 'Bajrangi Bhaijaan' has made him into a local hero.

Chand Nawab's YouTube video, which was posted by a colleague, inspired Nawaz's rendition in the film.

But I must say, even an excellent actor like Nawazuddin couldn't do justice to Chand Nawab.

Nawaz tried his best to show the urgency, desperation, time constraint and helplessness of the reporter.

Screen grab

The journalist made several attempts at speaking extemporaneously and complete his P2C before trains pull out of the station. Every attempt gets more hilarious than the previous shot.

You will develop sympathy for the maundering journalist and his earnest efforts to get the shot right.

After the video went viral, several parodies of the same found their way to the internet, including a remix of the P2C.

At that time, Chand felt his reputation was marred due to the clip. But now he is a star not just in Pakistan but also in India.

There is a Facebook page dedicated to Chand Nawab. Fans post videos imitating the reporter’s P2C and there are requests pouring in for more clips of the reporter.

On Twitter fans give thumps up to the real Chand Nawab and few requests Salman Khan to recognise Nawab's contribution in his blockbuster movie.

And thanks to the film, there have also been offers to appear in Pakistani commercials, TV and radio interviews. His phone never stops ringing with congratulatory calls and messages.

The movie is running house-full in Karachi and the box office collection is stupendous.

The journalist is grateful to director Kabir Khan, actors Salman Khan and Nawazuddin Siddiqui for the way they portrayed him and Pakistan in the film.