Happy birthday Arshad Warsi: Looking at the underrated actor's journey
Arshad Warsi is one of the very few actors in Bollywood who has acted and excelled as a lead and side character, simultaneously. He has no qualms in playing the second-in-command in movies just after he has led the credits. A talented actor with impeccable comic timing, Warsi remains highly underused. As he turns 53, here is hoping Bollywood gives him his due soon!
Entry into the world of showbiz was not easy for Warsi. Having born in a well-to-do family, things came crashing down when he lost both of his parents in quick succession at a young age. Yet, he endured and worked hard until he got his golden opportunity. Notably, Jaya Bachchan gave him his Bollywood break with Tere Mere Sapne in 1996.
After trying his luck as the protagonist in some simmering releases like Betaabi (1997) and Mere Do Anmol Ratan (1998), Warsi became a household name as Circuit in 2003 with the release of Munna Bhai M.B.B.S. He displayed his acting caliber dexterously in this flick while his chemistry with Sanjay Dutt's Munna was well appreciated. This opened the gates for Warsi, the character actor.
Warsi eventually became part of several ensemble cast comedies like Golmaal and Dhamaal. While his distinct performances in these commanded attention, Warsi was all firecrackers when he led a certain film. Consider Jolly LLB. The courtroom-drama became a sleeper hit, picking some top awards, including two National Awards. He was also stellar in serious films like Sehar (2005), Kabul Express (2006), and Ishqiya (2010).
But do you know, before venturing into Bollywood, he did some odd jobs? He was a cosmetics salesman and also worked at a photo lab. Warsi even served as an assistant director for Thikana and Kaash. A gifted dancer, he also choreographed steps for Anil Kapoor, Sridevi in Roop Ki Rani Choron Ka Raja. And yet, he's never mentioned in the best-dancers' list!
Incidentally, dance brought him closer to his wife. Warsi met VJ Maria Goretti at his dance academy. Both soon realized their feelings and got married. They are now parents to son Zeke and daughter Zene. Warsi was also a national level gymnast when he was in school. A bike aficionado, he owns a Ducati, an Indian Scout and a BMW F750 GS bike.
