Bollywood actor Arshad Warsi turns 54 today. He started his showbiz career as a dancer and choreographer only to emerge into a successful performer known for his impeccable comic timing as well as serious roles. From being orphaned at 14 to struggling to make ends meet, discovering a love for dance and finding his groove as an actor, his life is the perfect example of an inspirational story. Let's take a deep dive into Arshad's life. (All photos/Arshad Warsi's Instagram account)
Updated On: 2022-04-19 10:48 AM IST
Arshad Warsi was also associated with English theatre group in Mumbai, choreographing shows for Bharat Dabholkar. Not many know that he made a small appearance as a dancer in a song in Aag Se Khelenge before his acting career.
Following his Bollywood debut, Arshad Warsi starred in several films such as Betaabi (1997), Mere Do Anmol Ratan and Hero Hindustani (both 1998), Hogi Pyaar Ki Jeet (1999), Trishakti (1999), Mujhe Meri Biwi Se Bachaao (2001), Jaani Dushman: Ek Anokhi Kahani (2002), Waisa Bhi Hota Hai Part II (2003) among many other films.
Arshad Warsi gained immense popularity in 2003 for his role as Circuit opposite Sanjay Dutt in Munnabhai MBBS, which was a critical and commercial success. He received a nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor and credits the film for saving his career.
Arshad Warsi starred in many films following that, including Hulchul (2004), Kuchh Meetha Ho Jaye (2005), Sehar (2005), Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya? and Salaam Namaste in which Arshad's wife Maria and son Zeke appeared in a cameo.
Arshad Warsi's role as a gangster in the 2013 film Zilla Ghaziabad was appreciated by critics. He delivered his first solo hit, Jolly LLB the same year in which he essayed a lawyer.
Arshad Warsi reprised the successful characters that made him famous in the films Lage Raho Munnabhai (2006) and Dedh Isqhiya (2014). The latter also saw Naseeruddin Shah returning and also starred Madhuri Dixit and Huma Qureshi.
Arshad Warsi first forayed into television with the dance show Razzmatazz in 2001 as co-host. He co-starred with Karisma Kapoor in Karishma - The Miracles of Destiny in 2003 and also hosted a popular award show in 2004 titled Sabse Favourite Kaun.
Arshad Warsi was the host of the first season of the controversial reality show - Bigg Boss in 2006. The show went on to gain a life of its own. He won the Indian Television Academy Award for Best Anchor - Game/Quiz Show for this.
Arshad Warsi is said to star next in Banda Singh and Namune. His fans are awaiting an official confirmation for Munnabhai 3 but neither Rajkumar Hirani, Sanjay Dutt nor Vidhu Vinod Chopra has given it a nod yet. It will be exciting to see Circuit once again tickling the audience's funny bones with his antiques.
His recent outings were Fraud Saiyan, Total Dhamal, Durgamati, Pagalpanti and Bachchan Pandey.
Here's wishing a very happy birthday to Arshad Warsi!
Arshad Warsi also made his digital debut with Voot Original series 'Asur' which garnered a lot of appreciation for his character Dhananjay Rajput.
