“I am very happy with the emergence of OTT because actors are getting opportunities to show their craft, especially those who haven’t had a chance to feature on the big screen, mainly because looks play an important role there.”

Arshad Warsi, who has several memorable characters to his credit, including the iconic Circuit from the Munnabhai series, talks about his transition from playing a hero to strong character roles, how OTT has given a new lease of life to talented actors, and his return to TV as a judge on Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa. Excerpts…

Last seen as a judge on the talent show Sabse Bada Kalakar, Arshad is returning to the small screen after six years. Ask him about the factor that made him green-light the show marking his comeback to the tube, and he replies, “It’s a no-brainer. Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa offers two things I am extremely passionate about -- dancing and acting. I would jump at an opportunity like that as I am cut out for it.” 

The actor, who began his journey in showbiz as a dance choreographer, has already set his expectations as a judge. He says, “I would like to see little more than just dancing. Dancing is not just about physical movements; it should touch the soul, and only then will the audience be able to enjoy it.”

Films, TV, and OTT – Arshad has explored different mediums as an actor over time. Ask him to pick a favourite among them, and he says, “I am happy every time I am in front of the camera, irrespective of the medium. If there is anything that gives me a kick, it is the appreciation I get for my work.” 

However, revealing the one thing he is particular about, he shares, “What matters to me most is the quality. I forayed into fiction on television but did not enjoy the process as the emphasis was on quantity.”

The actor, who has featured in two seasons of Asur on OTT, is keen to do more projects on digital platforms. He says, “I am very happy with the emergence of OTT because actors are getting opportunities to show their craft, especially those who haven’t had a chance to feature on the big screen, mainly because looks play an important role there.”

With the actor touching upon ‘looks’ playing an important role in films, the discussion veers into having a system based on merit in the film industry. Arshad is quick to defend the need to project good looks over talent in films.

He elaborates, “There are a lot of expectations from actors seen on the big screen, as they cater to a 130-plus crore audience. While one can make the body, there are a few things you are gifted with and lucky to have – talent or mastery over your craft as an actor and your looks for which your parents need to be thanked. Actors like Hrithik Roshan, Ranbir Kapoor, Deepika Padukone, and Alia Bhatt fall into that category; they are a complete package. The younger crop is ferociously talented and so good at what they do. So, it’s unfair to point fingers at them. They know they have to be perfect as there is a line behind them, waiting to take their place if they goof up. They can’t take life lightly.”

The actor, who has garnered praise for his performances, is often described as one of the all-round actors but underutilized. Ask him if he feels the same and he does not deny it, “Yes, I feel I am an underutilized actor, but I also believe I am to be blamed for it. In this profession, you are expected to be out there, be seen, attend parties and functions, meet people, and hobnob with the press. I am a lazy fellow and don’t like to do all of this. I wish I could, but I prefer to sit in the little hole of my office or run away from the city. My problem is that I am a cowboy at heart or maybe a monk on a bike (laughs!).”

The actor has also drawn a line over working on projects that make him uncomfortable. “The time I spend with people while shooting for a project matters more than the praise and money. For me, it’s peace of mind over everything else. I let go of opportunities, no matter how tempting, if I know I am entering an uncomfortable place,” he says.

Arshad started his journey as an actor by playing one of the leading men in Tere Mere Sapne (1996). Somewhere along the way, he shifted gears to play strong characters in films like Munna Bhai MBBS (2003), Golmaal (2006), and Ishqiya (2010), among others.

Talking about the transition, he shares, “I felt that it was time to gracefully accept the fact that I was not a young boy anymore. I have been around for almost 27 years and have done all that is expected of heroes. If I still try to become a hero at this age and start jumping around, I will look stupid. Now, it’s time to move on and act mature on screen. The least I can do is play my age and not embarrass my kids with the work I do. I don’t want them to wonder what the hell I am doing and ask me to grow up. I want to play age-appropriate roles.”