Just like their equation in Munna Bhai M.B.B.S, Sanjay Dutt and Arshad Warsi share a great bond off-screen too. The two have worked together in several films apart from Rajkumar Hirani’s hit comedy franchise, but their friendship began way before they even started sharing screen space.

Remembering the first time he met Sanjay, Arshad shares, “Sanju won’t remember this, but we met way back, post the release of his film Rocky (1981). I used to frequent a nightclub where even Sanju would come by. One night, Richa Sharma came there, all of us just kept staring at her, looking at how gorgeous she was, then Sanju broke the silence, saying, ‘Tumlog ki bhabi hai’ (laughs).”

The two hit it off superbly from day one. “Arshad is not just a co-star; he is someone who’s a brother for life. Our bond goes beyond the silver screen. Working together in films like Munna Bhai has only strengthened our connection. I cherish every moment spent with him on and off set. We have the sort of friendship where we can always bank on each other. He is always a phone call away and no matter how much time passes we pick from where we left.

Arshad cherishes the sweet texts he receives from his buddy when they don’t meet for a while. He says, “We are always in touch and looking for ways to work together. I often get a message or call from Sanju, saying, ‘I love you, bro’. When he’s out of the country he always messages me asking me if I need anything from there.”

Not just Sanju, Arshad also shares a great bond with Sanju’s entire family. “The entire Dutt family is always ready to help anyone. There have been a couple of occasions when I needed help and guidance and Sanju has always been there for me. Most of the time, even if he hears about something, he calls right away to ask if everything is fine. I am blessed to have him as my friend. Sanju really goes out of his way to help everyone,” says Arshad, adding, “The food in his house is excellent and he loves feeding people.”

In a competitive industry like Bollywood, where it’s tough to make and maintain friendships, the two have managed to create such a solid friendship. “We share a special bond, where there’s a lot of love, trust and respect between us. Off-screen, we are fun and on screen we are magic. The magic you see between us in Munna Bhai is simply because we both, genuinely, are secure and chilled actors with zero ego (clashes) between us,” explains Arshad.

Sharing his experience of working with Arshad, Sanjay says, “Arshad and I share an unparalleled camaraderie on screen. We just seem to get each other’s vibe effortlessly. We know each other’s beats - who reacts how and at which cue, and it’s this understanding that allows us to elevate each other’s performances. There’s an unspoken connection by virtue of working so much together that it reflects in our work. It’s a joy to collaborate with an actor who brings out the best in you, and Arshad does that for me, making the whole experience of acting together truly magical.”

Talking about teaming up with Arshad for a project, an excited Sanjay tells us, “I miss the camaraderie we share while shooting, and I know there are many who are eager to see us reunite on screen. Rest assured, the feeling is mutual, and I can’t wait to join forces with my dear friend Arshad again, bringing our magic back to the audience.”