Asur 2 actor Arshad Warsi: ‘ I think I’m inherently lovable and that part of me comes in whatever I do’

Arshad Warsi - who recently made his OTT debut with Gaurav Shukla and Vibhav Shikdar’s psychological thriller web series, Asur 2, streaming on JioCinema - feels that there is no bigger reward than audience admiration. Commenting on the widespread appreciation for his character in the series, the Golmaal actor said that if viewers love a character, they root for it. 

Still fondly referred to as ‘Circuit’ - his role as Munna’s sidekick in the Sanjay Dutt-starrer 2003 comedy drama Munna Bhai M.B.B.S., Arshad is also known for his street smart character Ballu in Tere Mere Sapne, small-time lawyer Jagdish Tyagi in Jolly LLB and criminal Babban Hussain in Ishqiya.

Also read: Asur season 2 review: Arshad Warsi, Barun Sobti, Ridhi Dogra's crime thriller screams masterpiece 

Speaking in an interview recently, the actor said that it is probably his ‘inherently lovable’ personality that reflects in his on screen characters and make them more interesting. “The money one earns is a byproduct, but the main thing one craves is appreciation. You want people to come up to you and say, ‘What a film, what a character and I loved you in it’. That’s my award and reward. I personally look for that. I think I’m inherently lovable and that part of me comes in whatever I do. It can be a cop, goon or anything. I want people to appreciate my work, whether it’s positive or negative,” Arshad told PTI.

According to the actor, who played Dhananjay Rajpoot in Asur 2, it is important for audiences to like and relate to the protagonist. “If they love the character, no matter what it does, it is appreciated. If they do not like it, it’s null and void. I’ve been fortunate enough that there isn’t anyone who hasn’t liked my work. When a film or series works, that’s a cherry on the cake. There is no better feeling than that,” he added.

Also read: Asur 2 actor Arshad Warsi: ‘OTT is giving work to a lot of good actors’ 

Directed by Oni Sen, Asur 2 features Barun Sobti, Anupriya Goenka, Ridhi Dogra, Amey Wagh and Arshad in pivotal roles. The series follows a team of forensic experts tasked to help catch a serial killer, who considers himself a reincarnation of the asura Kali.