Onkar Kulkarni (BOMBAY TIMES; November 17, 2019)

Arshad Warsi, who has been a part of comedy franchises like Golmaal and Dhamaal, is all geared up for the release of yet another multi-starrer comic caper — Pagalpanti. “Working on multistarrers is like attending a party. When so many creative people come together, they bring a lot of fun to the table. I enjoy every bit of it,” says the actor.

While the actor is now happy that he’s a part of Pagalpanti, he was skeptical, initially. He shares his reasons, “I was apprehensive about working with Anees Bazmee (director) for the first time. As a director, he has worked with all the biggies, and I felt that he would tell his actors, ‘Do what I tell you to do!’ The other reason was that the film had a three-month schedule in London. The project has actors like Ileana (D’Cruz) Pulkit (Samrat), Kriti (Kharbanda) and Urvashi (Rautela), who I have never worked with. I was only familiar with John (Abraham), Anil (Kapoor) and Saurabh (Shukla). My problem was, when you are shooting with so many actors and that too, on a lengthy schedule abroad, it’s important to get along with everyone.”

However, to Arshad’s surprise, reality was completely different. “I enjoyed working with Anees, and I fell in love with Pulkit and Kriti. They are absolutely adorable,” says Arshad, whose friendly chemistry with Ileana was also evident during the promotions of the film. “Ileana is a sweetheart. We have gotten along really well,” he says.

Post Pagalpanti, Arshad says that he will be working on Rohit Shetty’s Golmaal 5. He shares, “Discussion is also on around other franchises like Ishqiya and Jolly LLB.” Ask him when is the much-awaited Munna Bhai series rolling and he is quick to add, “Frankly, the scripting is taking a lot of time. We all want the third installment of Munna Bhai to happen. It is lovely that the audience is looking forward to seeing it. In fact, many people have asked me about it, too.”

Arshad, who played Circuit in the series, says that he is in touch with ‘Munna Bhai’ Sanjay Dutt and is happy that very soon, they will start shooting for another film together. “We’ll start shooting for it next year,” he says. The Sajid-Farhad project has Sanjay playing the role of a blind don, while Arshad plays his chaperon.

Through his movies, Arshad Warsi has often showcased his love for comedy. His costars speak highly of his comic timing, hilarious impromptu reactions and his wacky sense of humour. So, we threw a volley of silly questions at him to enjoy his wit.

Here’s how he fared:

What was the last text message your Pagalpanti co-star Anil Kapoor might have sent and to whom?
He might have sent a message to himself that reads, ‘I am rocking it. I am the best!’

If Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt had to attend a Halloween party, what look would they pull off the best?
I think they would look the best as The Addams Family!

How many bikes does your co-star John Abraham have?
Whenever I ask him, he says that he owns only about five-six bikes, but I am sure the number is close to 20!

If Shah Rukh Khan had to be represented by a thing, what would it be?
It would be the Eiffel Tower. He is someone, who you just want to look at and admire. Everything that he does is unbelievable. He is a wonderful person.

What’s the most stale item in your refrigerator right now?
The stalest thing in my refrigerator will be meat or fish. In my family, everyone has given up on non-vegetarian food. So, some salmon must be lying there, which needs to be thrown out.

If not an actor, what would Taimur Ali Khan be when he grows up?
Whatever he becomes, he will always be a good-looking dude.

If Katrina Kaif is to marry a cartoon character, who would it be?
I think she should get married to Batman. They will look good together.

Where is Karan Johar vacationing right now?
The way Karan is looking right now (fit and healthy), I am sure he is at some spa in Austria. I think he is probably living there because he is getting slimmer.