Arshad Warsi on playing Gafoor in Aryan Khan’s The Bads of Bollywood: ‘I didn’t even think..’

Arshad Warsi reveals how he landed in The Bads of Bollywood. Read inside.

In the glitzy and glamorous world of Bollywood, many stars come and go, but there are only a few rare gems who leave behind a sparkle that time cannot fade. One such example of this is Arshad Warsi, who has given some unforgettable characters to Indian cinema. Recently, he made his appearance in Aryan Khan’s directorial debut, The Bads of Bollywood, where he played the role of a gangster called “Ghafoor.” Though his cameo was brief, it left the audience buzzing.

The Scene-Stealer of Aryan Khan’s Debut

Arshad Warsi, who stole the show with his cameo as Ghafoor in The Ba*ds of Bollywood, believes that “even the briefest roles can leave a lasting impact.” Speaking about his impactful performance, Warsi said, “It all comes down to conviction and faith.”

Arshad’s Instant Yes to Aryan Khan

Recently, in an interview, Arshad revealed how he immediately agreed to Aryan’s offer. “Aryan called me to do The Ba*ds of Bollywood. I didn’t even think it. He wanted me to do something, barely a day or 2 days’ job. I said I’m done; I’m doing it. Mujhe kuch sunne ki zaroorat nahi hai mujhe bas batado mujhe karna kya hai. He’s like, ‘Sir, ek gangster ka role hai, who bails out the hero every time.’ I said, ‘done..I’m doing it!’” he shared.

A Simple Question on Set

Recalling a light-hearted moment from the shoot, Arshad said, “When I went for the shoot, I asked him a very simple question… I said ki, ‘jo boat aa rahi hai jisme 4 mushkande blacks hai aur yeh kaha se aa rahi hai?’ He’s like, ‘Sir yeh Somalia se aa rahi hogi.’ Jaise maine suna yeh choti se boat 4 kaalon ke saath Somalia se aa rahi hai, mai samajh gaya yeh director kaisa hai. Maine kaha, done. So what I’m trying to say is that when you look at it as an actor, woh boat kahan se aa rahi hai” is absolutely irrelevant.”

Arshad’s on Aryan Khan’s Direction

Arshad Warsi appreciated Aryan Khan’s direction and said, “These are the directors that, when you know the story thoroughly, you’re both on the same page. If you’re not, quietly listen to him.”

In an older interview, he added, “Aryan’s already spoken about wanting me back for the second season. He’s very clear; he may look a bit haphazard, but he knows what he wants. I told him, ‘You don’t need to dangle a carrot in front of me, I’ll do it for you.’”

Arshad on Cameos

Talking about the power of cameos, Arshad explained, “Doing small roles does work, not only for me but for anybody. Nawazuddin Siddiqui was in Munna Bhai M.B.B.S. in a small role. I personally feel it doesn’t matter. Do one scene, but do it so well that as an audience I can’t get my focus off you.”

A Dream Crossover

In his signature humour, Arshad even joked about a wild crossover idea. “Someone said you could make separate stories and add Ghafoor together, even add someone like Babban from Dedh Ishqiya, and put Jeetu in the middle. It would be a crazy, fun ride; we’d destroy the entire industry,” he laughed.

About The Bads of Bollywood

Produced by Red Chillies Entertainment, The Ba*ds of Bollywood explores the darkly comic side of fame, ambition, and chaos in the Hindi film industry. It features Lakshya Lalwani, Sahher Bambba, Bobby Deol, and several celebrity cameos including Ranveer Singh, Rajkummar Rao, and Sara Ali Khan.