Versatility of Arshad Warsi: Supporting roles that left a lasting impression

19 Apr, 2024 Author: Deepanshi

Instagram/IMDB Versatility of Arshad Warsi: Supporting roles that left a lasting impression

Arshad Warsi Birthday: Arshad Warsi, the man who made himself synonymous with versatility with his diverse roles turns 56 today. What’s a better way to celebrate him than rewinding to his iconic characters? He has done some critically acclaimed big roles of main leads but for now let's look at the “small” and supporting roles he played that won him the love of a common man, and also helped him earn the title of a ‘versatile actor’.

‘Circuit’ may seem like a caricature to some today, and yet we can’t imagine Munna Bhai without him right? So let’s take a look at some of his impactful performances.

The OG ‘Circuit’ from Munna Bhai MBBS

The iconic ‘Circuit’ may not look like a very nuanced character to cinema critics now but it was his effervescent personality that hooked the audience more than Munna Bhai maybe. Even today, the character is a favorite across generations and is often cosplayed by GenZ. The simplicity and loyalty portrayed by Warsi via the use of simple humor and comic timing still resonate with his audience.

Lucky in Hulchul

Standing out in a cast ensemble of 'big names' might be a tough job for others, but Warsi just has indomitable comic timing to make it look like a piece of cake. The ‘juggadu friend’ of Jay (Akshaye Khanna) is etched in the memory of its viewers despite the lukewarm performance of the movie commercially.

Adi or Aditya Srivastav in Dhamaal

This man has done many comic roles and aced almost all of them like a real person. Phenomenal really! The sworn companion of Manav, Adi is there to win benefits for himself and his partner Manav in a cunning chase of the ‘W’. You must have some of his lines from the movie on your tongue like a lightning strike.

Babban in Dedh Ishqiya

Babban is a portrayal so fine you might end up despising him. Babban’s character speaks volumes about his craftsmanship and the skills he has honed as an actor over the years.

Danny in Modern Love Mumbai

Now this isn’t exactly a supporting role. Warsi plays Chitrangdha Singh’s husband in the anthology episode but it's noteworthy to mention his performance as he brings out the nuance of a man in a bittersweet marriage in a very short screen time.

To conclude this without the mention of his most critically acclaimed role would be an injustice. The grey character of Dhananjay Rajput, or DJ in Asur, a forensic investigator is a fine character with layers that question the dichotomy of rights and wrongs.