Jolly LLB actor Arshad Warsi has appeared in several critically acclaimed films. Popularly known for his role as ‘Circuit’ in the Munna Bhai franchise, Warsi has an unbothered ability to make his audience feel a range of emotions.
In a candid conversation with podcaster Raj Shamani, Arshad Warsi opened up about several things. Right from his stardom, to how he met with his wife Maria, to praising Aryan Khan’s directorial sense for Ba***ds of Bollywood. Speaking about regrets, he revealed that he regretted featuring in Rajkumar Kohli’s Jaani Dushman: Ek Anokhi Kahaani (2002).
Jaani Dushman was declared a box office flop after it grossed Rs 14 crore worldwide during its theatrical run. Starring Akshay Kumar, Suneil Shetty, Sunny Deol, and other big stars, Warsi had agreed to do the film out of respect for the father-figure-like director.
‘I needed the money’
It was still early in Warsi’s career when Kohli approached him to do the film. Warsi explained why he had agreed, apart from the immense respect the industry had held for the director. “I needed the money, Mariam and I were making a house and had said yes, without having the money,” said Warsi.
“The roof at my place? Thank you to Jaani Dushman. There’s a bathroom there. Thank you to Jaani Dushman,” quipped Warsi, who shared that it was simply a project he did for the pay. He then praised filmmaker Kohli and was reminded of the steady and reliable payment schedule, along with the work-life balance his actors enjoyed.
‘Sir, please kill me first!’
Arshad Warsi also revealed the peculiar request he had made during the filming of Jaani Dushman. He requested, “Sir, Sabse pehle mughje maar dijiye [Sir, please kill me first]” Erupting in loud laughter, the Shamani and Warsi were in splits.
He then referred to Akshay Kumar, who played the role of Atul in Jaani Dushman. “And, on the other hand there was Akshay, who was not willing to die,” Warsi joked. He then mocked him and shared that Akshay Kumar would go back to Rajkumar Kohli and make his own request. “Sir, yeh actor nhi aaya, mai iska bhi role kar sakta hu? [Sir, this actor isn’t here. Can I do his role, too?]” Warsi said.
Working with Armaan Kohli
The Munnabhai actor also shared a funny anecdote from his time on set with Armaan Kohli, the director’s son. Calling him ‘Bechara,’ Warsi recalled that during the shoot, he was ready in the character of Kapil, waiting for his shot. However, Warsi also arrived at the same moment.
Seeing him, Rajkumar Kohli remarked, “Oh! You’re early, he has been waiting all morning, dressed as a snake,” pointing towards Armaan. Not only was it a humorous anecdote, but also a fond memory Warsi holds to this day.
Today, Warsi appears in his latest project, Bhagwat, after gaining immense popularity for Ghafoor’s role in Ba***ds of Bollywood. Becoming the hero’s saviour, Warsi plays a cop this time, investigating the case of a missing girl.