Actor M M Faruqui aka Lilliput says that playing gangster Dadda in the OTT series Mirzapur 2 (2020) earned him love and appreciation from the audience. However, it did not translate into work. “No one would imagine me playing a gangster. It gave me a second innings. I credit the vision of the writer to pen such a character and director to think of me. Unfortunately, it did not translate into work,” says the Sagar (1985) and Bunty Aur Babli (2005) actor.

He adds, “Since the ’80s, I have played memorable roles that are etched in the memory of the audience, and they have showered enormous love. Sadly, the industry, till date, has not been able to determine whether they should accept me as an actor-writer or as a dwarf. They don’t consider me for normal character roles. Why can’t the father of a normal height man be a short person? Thankfully, new-age makers are experimenting with me.”

Lilliput says he doesn’t “roam around for work”. After working for four decades, if I have proven myself, then I should get work on merit.”

His “outspoken nature” may also have hampered his prospects, he feels: “Now, we rarely have directors who get involved in the selection process. Casting people do that job. It’s frustrating to be without work, as that’s the only thing an actor knows, but kya kar sakte hain.”

This year, he has been seen in projects such as Acting Ka Bhoot, To Be Not To Be and Bajao. “I recently wrapped a web series helmed by Saurabh Tiwari. Mirzapur 3 will probably come early next year. So, kaam chal raha hai.”

The writer of the TV show Dekh Bhai Dekh (1993) and the film Chamatkar (1992) is no longer writing. “I stopped writing after TV serials became daily soaps,” the actor ends.