In a surprising revelation, veteran Bollywood actor Arshad Warsi has opened up about a disappointing experience during the making of the 2004 comedy film Hulchul. The actor claimed he was misled into accepting a minor supporting role after being promised a lead part similar to one played by Akshay Kumar.
The Broken Promise of a Lead Role
During a recent interview with The Lallantop, Warsi recounted the incident. He stated that around the time of the film's production, he was quite busy with multiple projects. The film's writer, the late Neeraj Vora, approached him for a movie to be directed by the acclaimed Priyadarshan. Excited by the prospect, Warsi inquired about his character.
"Neeraj Vora told me that my role in the film would be similar to what Akshay Kumar played in Hera Pheri," Warsi explained. He emphasized that Vora assured him it was one of the lead roles, a compelling proposition given how iconic Akshay Kumar's character in the 2000 blockbuster was. Trusting this description, Warsi agreed to join the cast of Hulchul, which starred Akshaye Khanna and Kareena Kapoor as the main leads.
A Shocking Reality on Set
The actor's enthusiasm turned to dismay upon arriving on set. He quickly realized his role was not the promised lead but merely that of the hero's friend, a significantly smaller part. Warsi clarified that he believes director Priyadarshan was unaware of the misleading negotiations, placing the blame squarely on the miscommunication from the writer's side.
"I was taken aback after reaching the set, and I don't think Priyadarshan even knew about it. It was not his fault. He didn't know about it," Warsi stated, absolving the director of any responsibility for the bait-and-switch.
The Costume Fiasco and a Professional Finish
The troubles continued with the film's costume department, or lack thereof. Warsi revealed that little attention was paid to his wardrobe. His clothes were reportedly so ill-fitting and oversized that he initially mistook his shirt for a nighty. The situation reached a point of absurdity when he noticed the film's chief assistant director wearing an identical shirt.
"I was standing on the set wearing an oversized shirt and I thought to myself, 'What am I doing here?' At that point I saw the film's chief AD walking in wearing the same shirt and I realized he is also my designer for the film or I was just wearing his shirt," Warsi shared humorously. Due to the poor fit, the actor ended up wearing his own clothes for a significant portion of the shoot.
Despite the negative experience and feeling tricked, Arshad Warsi honored his commitment and completed the film. Hulchul, which featured an ensemble cast including Suniel Shetty, Jackie Shroff, Amrish Puri, Paresh Rawal, Arbaaz Khan, and Shakti Kapoor, ultimately became a commercial success at the box office. However, for Warsi, it remains a memorable lesson in the unpredictabilities of filmmaking.
