Siddharth Opens Up on His Bollywood Journey: ‘I Don’t Need Anyone’s Permission to Speak’

Actor Siddharth has reflected on his journey in Hindi cinema, his outspoken personality, and his upcoming role in Netflix’s Operation Safed Sagar. Despite delivering a memorable performance as Bhagat Singh in the acclaimed film Rang De Basanti, the actor says he has never received the volume of Hindi film offers many people assume he has.

Ahead of the release of the military drama, Siddharth spoke candidly about his career choices, waiting for meaningful roles, and whether expressing his opinions on social and political issues has affected his professional opportunities.

‘I Haven’t Been Offered Enough Hindi Films’

Siddharth acknowledged that his filmography in Bollywood is relatively small but explained that the reason is simple—he hasn’t received enough projects that match his creative interests.

According to the actor, performers can only decide between accepting or rejecting the opportunities that come their way. He said he has always preferred quality over quantity and would rather wait for a role that genuinely excites him than sign projects simply to remain visible.

Looking back at his career, Siddharth said he considers himself fortunate to have been associated with films and characters that continue to hold significance.

From Bhagat Singh to Squadron Leader Ajay Ahuja

Reflecting on two defining roles in his career, Siddharth noted that he portrayed Bhagat Singh in Rang De Basanti nearly two decades ago and is now stepping into the role of Indian Air Force officer Squadron Leader Ajay Ahuja in Operation Safed Sagar.

He described the opportunity as another meaningful milestone, adding that he never actively campaigned for such characters but feels grateful that filmmakers continue to trust him with roles rooted in India’s history and national service.

The actor said he has no hesitation in waiting years for a project that truly resonates with him.

‘I Don’t Need Anyone’s Permission to Speak’

During the conversation, Siddharth was also asked whether his outspoken views on social and political issues had come at a professional cost.

Rather than giving a direct yes-or-no answer, he suggested that the question itself reflects a larger conversation about freedom of expression. He maintained that he has always spoken his mind without seeking approval and intends to continue doing so.

Siddharth emphasized that expressing personal opinions has never been dependent on external validation, reaffirming that he does not require anyone’s permission to voice his views.

About Operation Safed Sagar

Operation Safed Sagar is inspired by the Indian Air Force’s operations during the 1999 Kargil conflict. The series follows the Golden Arrows Squadron as it undertakes challenging high-altitude combat missions while also exploring the personal sacrifices made by military personnel and their families.

The series has been created by Abhijeet Singh Parmar and Kushal Srivastava and directed by Oni Sen.

Alongside Siddharth, the ensemble cast includes Abhay Verma, Mihir Ahuja, Taaruk Raina, Arnav Bhasin, Dia Mirza, Prajakta Koli, Adil Hussain and Amrita Bagchi.

Produced by Matchbox Shots LLP in association with Feel Good Films, Operation Safed Sagar is scheduled to premiere on Netflix on August 7.

A Career Built on Selective Choices

Over the years, Siddharth has built a reputation for choosing diverse and performance-driven roles across multiple film industries. While his Bollywood appearances have been limited, his body of work in Tamil and Telugu cinema has earned widespread appreciation.

With Operation Safed Sagar, the actor returns to Hindi audiences in a role that combines historical significance with emotional depth, reinforcing his preference for stories that leave a lasting impact rather than simply adding to his film count.