In a remarkably candid interview, Bollywood actor Arshad Warsi has shared some fascinating behind-the-scenes stories, including the tale of an entire film he shot with the legendary Amitabh Bachchan that never saw the light of day. He also drew vivid contrasts between the public personas of the two Khans – Salman and Shah Rukh – offering a rare glimpse into their off-screen personalities.
The Shelved Dream: 'Zamaanat' with Amitabh Bachchan
During his conversation with Lallantop, Arshad Warsi expressed one of his career's biggest regrets: never having a released film with megastar Amitabh Bachchan. He revealed that they had completed shooting for a project titled 'Zamaanat', directed by the late S Ramanathan, but it was shelved due to numerous production troubles.
"My luck is so bad that I have never worked with Amit ji in my life. We shot for an entire film together but it never got released," Warsi stated. He explained that the film faced constant stops and starts during production, a situation compounded by the unfortunate passing of its director.
Warsi recalled a valuable piece of advice Bachchan gave him on set. "Mr B had told me that I should keep doing my shot till I am happy and satisfied no matter what happens," he shared, highlighting the importance the veteran star placed on an actor's personal conviction in their performance.
Bachchan's Relentless Pursuit of Perfection
Arshad Warsi narrated a specific incident that perfectly illustrated Amitabh Bachchan's famed dedication and perfectionism. The scene was a large-scale courtroom shot filmed in Hyderabad, involving a speech by Bachchan's character and a backdrop of 500-1000 protestors lying on the road.
"Amit ji had a long speech in that scene. He gave around 10-12 takes in that shot, and then finally thought one of them was fine," Warsi recounted. However, even after everyone had wrapped up and moved inside, Bachchan was not fully satisfied.
"A few minutes later, he said that we should do one more. I started smiling, and thought he was joking. But, he was serious," Warsi said. The entire massive set was reassembled, with all the background artists returning to their positions, just for that one additional take. This incident left a lasting impression on Warsi about Bachchan's unwavering commitment to excellence.
Praise for Shah Rukh Khan's Gentlemanly Demeanor
Having worked with Shah Rukh Khan in the 2005 film 'Kuchh Meetha Ho Jaye' and set to reunite with him in the 2026 project 'King', Arshad Warsi had nothing but high praise for SRK's professionalism and character.
He described Shah Rukh as a "polite and giving" actor with an old-school theatre discipline, always prepared with his lines. "I have never seen him raise his voice. I am very fond of him," Warsi added. He also complimented SRK's parenting, noting that his children, Suhana and Aaryan, are "great kids."
His admiration was clear when he spoke about signing 'King'. "I said yes to King within a second. Shah Rukh has already said that he is the last of the stars and I absolutely believe him. I love him, big fan. He has a lot of dignity," Warsi stated emphatically.
Salman Khan: The Quintessential 'Bad Boy' with a Funny Side
When asked to differentiate between Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan, Arshad Warsi offered a succinct and insightful comparison. "Salman is a bad boy. He is one of those quintessential good-looking, bad boys. Shah Rukh is a gentleman, a bit settled," he said, quickly adding that there's nothing wrong with either archetype.
He elaborated that Salman's public aura is quite different from his private, home persona. "Personally at home, he is a different person. Cracks a lot of jokes, has fun," Warsi revealed. He credited Salman's entire family with having a great sense of humour, suggesting they approach life with a fun-loving spirit.
Through these revelations, Arshad Warsi has provided Bollywood fans with a unique perspective on three of the industry's most colossal figures, blending professional admiration with personal anecdotes that paint a fuller picture of these iconic stars.
