You don’t succeed in Bollywood unless you have a Godfather. Or in order to get your first break or even sustain you need to have so called contacts in the industry. This is a sad truth and it takes a lot to break the outsider curse in the film industry.
While many try only a handful make it to the top by breaking these industry notions. And actor-comedian Arshad Warsi happens to be one of them.
Arshad Warsi or Munna Bhai’s Circuit, is someone who is not only a talented actor but also a great comedian and an excellent dancer. In short, he is a wholesome performer. You may be his casual fan but not many know about the actor’s humble beginnings.
Mumbai-born Arshad was orphaned at a young age of 14. Due to financial strains, he dropped education after 10th grade and started working as a salesperson when he was only 17. While working odd jobs, Arshad developed a keen interest in dance and was soon offered a chance to join a dance academy.
It is no secret that Arshad’s first love and passion is dance. He is an accomplished choreographer and has choreographed for a range of Bollywood films in the 90s including the title track for Sridevi’s hitmaker Roop Ki Rani Choron Ka Raja.
His choreography gigs is what also landed him his first Bollywood movie ‘Tere Mere Sapne’ in 1996 by Jaya Bachchan. The film turned out to be a success at the box office. Arshad went on to do a number of movies in after that which weren’t a huge commercial success, although his performance was praised.
The year 2003 proved to be a major turning point of the actor’s career. He was seen in the iconic role of Circuit in the major comedy drama Munna Bhai M.B.B.S. by Rajkumar Hirani. The box office hit movie gained him a nation wide recognition, a filmfare award with much critical acclaim for his role.
His role in the multi-starrer blockbuster Golmaal franchise was also widely appreciated for his sheer comic timing.
Despite having a long list of successful films in his kitty, Arshad Warsi’s talent remains under utilised. He is, undoubtedly, one of the most underrated artists in Bollywood today.
But he got no regrets. Arshad makes the most out of the opportunities he gets and takes his family on vacations!