Bollywood actor Arshad Warsi has candidly spoken about a challenging phase in his career, recalling his experience working on the 2004 film 'Hulchul'. During a recent conversation on The Lallantop, Warsi described it as a "bad experience" but emphasized that he handled the situation with utmost professionalism.
The Promise That Led to Disappointment
Warsi revealed that the late writer-director Neeraj Vora first approached him for the project. At the time, Warsi was actively seeking substantial roles. Vora informed him that Priyadarshan was directing the film. When Warsi inquired about the nature of his character, Vora drew a direct comparison. "He said, 'have you seen Hera Pheri? I said yes. He said the role that Akshay Kumar has in Hera Pheri is the same role, identical'," Warsi recounted. Based on this assurance of a lead part akin to Akshay Kumar's iconic role, Arshad Warsi agreed to join the cast of 'Hulchul'.
Reality Check on the Sets of 'Hulchul'
However, once filming commenced, Warsi quickly realized the reality was starkly different from what was promised. He understood that his role was not the prominent lead he had anticipated. He explained this revelation with a poignant observation about screen dynamics. "In that film, I learnt that there is a term like 'you both are friends' or 'you are his friend'. There is a world of difference between the two," he stated. Warsi felt his part was more of a supporting character, which left him confused and upset. Despite his disappointment, he chose to remain calm and see the project through.
The Bizarre Costume Incident
Adding to the odd experience was a peculiar costume issue. Warsi shared a humorous yet uncomfortable anecdote about the shirt provided for his character. The garment had abnormally long sleeves and a strange fit. "The sleeves of my shirt were up to here... my shirt was long, I was actually covered up to here," he demonstrated. The situation became even more awkward when he later spotted the chief assistant director wearing the exact same shirt.
Warsi joked about the incident, saying, "I couldn't tell if that shirt was a nightie or a shirt. After a while my inner woman started coming out, so I said I should start wearing men's clothes." Following this episode, he decided to wear his own clothes for the shoot.
Moving On Without Bitterness
Despite the setbacks, Arshad Warsi completed the film, honoring his commitment. He clarified that he holds no grudge against director Priyadarshan, suggesting the director might have been unaware of the promises made to him. "I don't think Priyan (Priyadarshan) knew about it either. It's not his fault," Warsi said.
Reflecting on the episode today, the actor expressed no lingering anger. He stated that he has learned from the experience and looks back with a sense of gratitude. "I personally feel where I was and where I am now. I have no reason to crib," he concluded, affirming that he no longer indulges in complaints.
On the work front, Arshad Warsi was recently seen in 'Jolly LLB 3'. His portrayal of the underworld don Gaffoor in Aryan Khan's debut series 'The Bastards of Bollywood' also garnered significant appreciation from audiences.
