Compelling characterization can turn even a minor character into a big character, cementing his or her place in the audience’s memory. A well-written character combined with stellar performances became a cultural touchstone—making audiences cheer, laugh, and even cry.
Consider Arshad Warsi’s portrayal of Circuit in Munna Bhai MBBS and its sequel Lage Raho Munna Bhai. Munna’s character as a loyal yet humorous sidekick struck a chord with the audience with his impeccable writing and Varsi’s endearing performance. Circuit became synonymous with comedic timing, loyalty and undercurrents of vulnerability, making him one of the most beloved characters in Indian cinema. In an interview with The Indian Express, Arshad Warsi revealed his reasons for making the film. “I played Munna Bhai because it was Sanju (Sanjay Dutt); otherwise, even Raju (filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani) knew it (Circuit) was a silly character. It really was on paper; it was nothing. Even Makarand Deshpande Say no to “Circuit”! ” The actor further said that he accepts or rejects a role based on the potential of the script. “I listen to any script purely as an audience member. Do I want to see what I’m doing? It can be in any genre; it can be anything, but it should be something that the audience would enjoy watching. After hearing the story, your gut will Tell if you want to do this film,” Arshad added.
Likewise, Jim Sarbh’s Malik Kafur in “Padmaavat” proves that nuanced writing can elevate a supporting character. As Alauddin Khilji’s trusted assistant and lover, Malik Kafur is layered, elusive, and utterly charming. Sarb’s portrayal added depth to an easily stereotyped character, and he earned critical acclaim despite limited screen time. In one of the interviews, Jim Salb also shared how his character Malik Kafur was written very well. “Most of it was written into the script. As soon as I read the script, all these subtextual ideas just bloomed in my head. I wanted to do it immediately. That only happens when the character is encoded very clearly into the text. . and depth. Mr. Sanjay and I discussed whether it was just lines, or gestures, or lines and gestures together,” he told First Post.
Satish KaushikMemorable characters like Calendar in “Mr. India’, Pappu Pager in ‘Deewana Mastana’ and Mutthu Swami in ‘Saajan Chale Sasural’ prove how writing and acting can create timeless cinematic moments. The characters are created with a lot of humor and heart, and Kaushik’s impeccable comic timing makes them iconic. Even today, these characters remain etched in audiences’ hearts, showing how supporting characters can become pivotal. Smakiya), a seemingly minor character (a roadside drunk), turns out to be the unexpected savior of the protagonists. Despite his limited screen time, Smakia’s wit and intelligence make him a game-changer in the narrative. His character’s stoic demeanor and raw intensity add layers to the story that sometimes overshadow the protagonist. There is no line, bobby del left an indelible mark, proving that strong characterization can elevate a performance to a level beyond words. Chota Baccha”) is still fresh in the minds of viewers. The innocence and charm of the character, coupled with the rich writing style, make it unforgettable. However, when Kapoor returned as an adult, his work failed to Recreating the same magic. His childhood role was so influential that it eclipsed all his later performances with just one line – “Tussi ja rahe ho?” ” — and a few expressions, Dasit managed to carve a permanent place in Bollywood history.
Rest in peace “Pap Pager”! Some of the best comedy scenes of late Satish Kaushik
Etimes contacted filmmaker and screenwriter Rumi Jaffery, who had his thoughts on how strong writing can help enhance a film’s story. “In my experience, I have observed that even after a successful performance, actors sometimes disappear. In my own case, my character ‘Coolie No. 1’ became a huge hit and people across India started using phrases from that character , “Ae Jada Shaana mat ban”, whose dialogue became “Ae jada Hoshiyaar chad samajhta hai kya? ”, so much so that a separate poster was printed for it.
In the case of Satish Kaushik, characters like Pappu Pager and Sharafat Ali became very popular. Be it Badmiyan Chotmiyan or other movies. It’s popular for people to play a character.
Sometimes a character takes on a life of its own. People imitate the actor’s style, catchphrases and mannerisms. Think of Johnny Walker, he was a legend but you never saw the character in another movie. When he appears in public, people ask him to perform Surma Bhopali dialogue. The same goes for Rajendra Nath, who has a unique style.
Now take the example of Arshad Warsi’s track in “Munna Bhai MBBS”, which was extremely popular and became a milestone in his career. But the challenge with iconic figures is that they don’t always guarantee long-term success. But it was after “Circuit” that he really rose to fame. However, not every actor has the same luck. Even if their character becomes a hit, they may not benefit from it in the long run. The main reason is that while actors may be talented, their personal choices or career decisions may be holding them back. I have seen many actors perform a popular role and then start to choose the role. They may turn down smaller roles because they think they deserve bigger or better roles. They forget that their identity is built on those smaller roles and they become too concerned about their fan following or demand higher fees.
Talent isn’t the issue, they obviously have it or they wouldn’t be great in the first place. But in some places, they missed the target. They either make poor career decisions or fail to seize opportunities.
Talking further about Silent Sardarji’s ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’ role, he said, “It is the same with many child actors who shine brightly in their youth but struggle in the transition to adult roles. About child actors , they become quite famous for the choices you make.
“Kuch Kuch Hota Hai” child actor Parzaan Dastur is getting married to his love Delna Shroff
“Anupam Kher once told me that a producer wants his film to be the best, and filmmakers want to make money and make a living out of it. Whatever they offer, be it roles, hotels or prices. If they believe in you value, they’ll give you what you deserve.
when great works are missing
The character is more than a plot device; This is the core of the story. When writers invest in creating characters that are layered, relatable, or interesting, they create opportunities for actors to shine. Whether it is a protagonist, a supporting role, or even a guest appearance, every character has the potential to resonate with the audience as long as it is written with care. However, even great actors find it difficult to leave a mark when the script goes awry. Poorly written characters lack emotional connections, diminishing the actors’ ability to recreate the magic they once displayed.
Author of “The Family Man”. In an exclusive interview with ETimes, Sharib Hasmi said, “Writing is the backbone of any film or TV show. I feel it is the most important part of the filmmaking process. So, if a supporting role has to stand out in a film or TV show, yes, the actor Of course you have to incorporate many of your own qualities and characteristics into the character, but if it’s bland on paper, “tab bade se bada actor usey bacha nahin sakta…” For a supporting character to be famous, they need to have a character arc, and only those who become the core of the story It’s the inner component that makes him shine.
Circuit, Malik Kafur, Calendar, Pappu Pager, Mutthu Swami, Kishan, Smakiya, Abrar Haque and the silent Sardarji and many other characters in the film remind us that talent does not always require a complex backstory or a lot of screen time. Thoughtful character development and strong dialogue can elevate even minor characters into iconic characters.
