‘जीतू अगर मुझसे एक्टिंग सीखता, तो जरूर खराब करता’: अरशद वारसी बोले जीतू टैलेंटेड है; जीतेंद्र कुमार ने फिल्म भागवत को अपने करियर का सबसे अलग रोल बताया

When a powerful story, strong characters and social concerns come together in a film, the actors also find a deeper reason to connect with it. The film ‘Bhagwat Chapter 1: Rakshas’ presents a serious topic like human trafficking in a light-hearted commercial manner, actors Arshad Warsi and Jeetendra Kumar have openly discussed the same. While Arshad is going to be seen in the role of an intense but interesting police officer in the film, Jeetendra is going to surprise the audience in a completely different avatar. In this conversation, both the actors talked about their association with the film, preparation for the characters and their respective journeys.

How did you get involved in this film as an actor? What was it that attracted you to this project?

Arshad Warsi- I first heard the script from our director Akshay Shere. I found the story quite funny and intense. The screenplay and concept were very strong. The way the story was woven aroused interest. After a long time, I got a role in which I am wearing an officer’s uniform. Before this, I had played the role of SSP Ajay Kumar in the film ‘Sahar’. If I could, I could get a uniform like this made at home and wear it to work. This role is in light comedy and commercial space but is also a bit intense.

Jeetendra Kumar- The dialogue writer of this film, Sumit Saxena, is my good friend. We were earlier working on a project which did not happen. Then one day he called and said that there is a film, I want to listen to the story. I went, met the director and immediately said ‘yes’ after hearing the story. This was completely different from all the characters I have played so far. This was the reason why I was very excited about this film. I found the chemistry between me and Cop very interesting. For this character, I read the script for about 5-6 days, had discussions with the team and then went and performed.

Film ‘Bhagwat Chapter 1: Rakshas’ releases on ZEE5 on 17 October 2025

Arshad, there is an internal conflict going on within your character which is visible in the film. Did you make any special preparation for this?

Arshad Warsi- To be honest, I did not do any separate research or special preparation for this. Why should I lie that I had gone into exile for three months? When I heard the story, I just kept thinking about that character for 24 hours. Then discussions continued with the writer and director of the film as to what they wanted from me and how I should justify that character. I used to get inputs from him, with the help of which I would create an image in my mind of what that person would be like.

The film is based on human trafficking, did you do any research for it before the shoot?

Arshad Warsi- See, I believe that no matter what the subject of the film is, an artiste should stay close to the film. The story which the writer has written should be your information only. Otherwise you may deviate from the idea of ​​the film. Also, our writer and director had already done deep research on the topic, so I didn’t need to do any separate research.

Jeetendra Kumar- I had asked the director whether I should do some research on my own? But he refused. I worked on the basis of whatever briefing I received.

Arshad Warsi likes playing the role of Inspector most on TV screen.

Do you think the film will be able to leave its mark in the hearts of the audience? What should people feel when they watch the film?

Arshad Warsi- Every film touches some emotion. I hope that there will be some such things in this film too which will reach the hearts of the audience. The situations that we have shown in the film should remain in their minds. People should understand what we have tried to show. And most importantly, they should feel that their time was not wasted.

Jeetendra Kumar- I think when the audience can feel every moment and every character of the film, then that is our victory. If that realization can be translated from the screen to the audience, that would be the biggest success as an artist. I think Ayesha’s character in the film will definitely inspire people.

Jeetendra Kumar described the film ‘Bhagwat’ as the most challenging role of his career.

Both of you come from non-filmy backgrounds. While working together, did you notice any similarities in the struggles of your journey?

Arshad Warsi- I think we both are very regular people, but very talented. Jeetendra is a very good actor. If this had not happened, the entire burden of the film would have fallen on me and I would have had to do the acting as well. If he had ever learned acting from me, he might have performed even worse.