Why Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s Shaikh Had a Small Role but a Huge Impact in The Lunchbox

Whenever I think about Ritesh Batra’s The Lunchbox, the first thing that comes to my mind is the scene in the local train where Shaikh (Nawazuddin Siddiqui) tells Saajan Fernandes (Irrfan), "Meri ammi hamesha kaha karti thi ki kabhi kabhi galat train bhi sahi jagah phaucha deti hai (My mother always used to say, 'Sometimes the wrong train takes you to the right destination')”. When Saajan asks him about being an orphan, Shaikh tells him that adding the phrase "Meri ammi hamesha kaha karti thi (My mother always used to say)" gives weight to his words. It is this scene that is symbolic of Shaikh’s optimistic attitude towards life despite the many misfortunes he had to endure and his quiet wisdom behind his chirpy and child-like demeanour.

Shaikh is introduced to us as new employee who would take up Saajan’s position once he retires. He is lively, curious and easy-going. As someone who has had to travel between Saudi and Mumbai for various odd jobs, he is quite excited to finally settle down in a comfortable desk job. Growing up as an orphan, Shaikh always yearned for a family of his own. Therefore, when he falls in love with Mehrunisa, he decides to settle down in Mumbai. He finds joy in the little things in life, be it trying to bond with Saajan over lunch and train rides or cooking dinner or going for evening walks with Mehrunisa. Shaikh is also perceptive and endearing. In one scene, he tells Saajan about the things he does after going back home and asks him about his evenings. To which Saajan replies that all he does is watch television. Having been lonely for most of his life, he connects to Saajan’s loneliness. Therefore, he immediately invites him to have dinner at his home. 

Beneath the child-like curiosity and optimism for life, Shaikh also yearns for an elderly support. He wants to fill that void through Saajan because he looks up to Saajan as a mentor and connects with his loneliness. When Saajan covers up for his mistakes, he feels cared for. In one scene, he tells Saajan about Mehrunisa’s father agreeing to their marriage and that she has a large family but he has no one on his side. Hesitantly, he asks Saajan to be his guardian on their wedding. It is in this scene where we really see his vulnerable side.

In The Lunchbox, the narrative is primarily focussed on Saajan and Ila’s (Nimrat Kaur) blossoming relationship. Shaikh has a small role in the film but a significant one. What makes it memorable is the wisdom Shaikh has to offer. It comes from growing up lonely as an orphan in a society that places blood relations above all relations. It comes from struggling to make a living in a status driven world. It comes from being rejected on the basis of markers beyond his control. Although Saajan is the one on the verge of retirement, it is Shaikh who has seen it all. He has already endured and come to terms with the loneliness that Saajan and Ila are experiencing. No wonder it is him who says not only the best line in the film but the one that captures the essence of the film: “Kabhi kabhi galat train bhi sahi jagah phaucha deti hai” (sometimes the wrong train can take us to the right station)."