The actor, best known for his iconic role as Circuit in the Munna Bhai franchise, recently revisited some of the most difficult moments of his life, including a memory involving his mother that he says still haunts him decades later.

Arshad was only 14 when he lost both his parents. His father, Ahmed Ali Khan Warsi, a poet and singer, passed away during a period when the family was already facing financial difficulties. Not long after, his mother, who was battling kidney failure and undergoing regular dialysis, also died.

Speaking about her final days, Arshad recalled that doctors had strictly advised the family not to give her water due to her medical condition. According to the actor, his mother repeatedly asked for water, including on the night before her death. Following medical instructions, he refused.

Years later, he says that decision continues to trouble him.

The actor has often spoken about how those events forced him to mature quickly. Instead of grieving immediately, he found himself worrying about survival and responsibility. It was only weeks later, after dealing with practical realities, that the emotional impact fully hit him.

The loss of his parents also brought an abrupt end to his education. Financial pressures forced him to leave school after Class 10 and begin working to support himself.

Arshad took up a series of small jobs during that period. He worked as a door-to-door salesman for a cosmetics company and, according to various accounts, sold lipsticks and cosmetic products in Mumbai buses. He also performed in musical shows during weekends and took up other odd jobs to make ends meet.

The experience, he has said, taught him resilience and helped him develop confidence while interacting with strangers. At a time when weekly earnings were limited, a significant portion of whatever he earned went towards medical expenses and household needs.

A turning point arrived through dance.

Despite the hardships, Arshad remained passionate about performing arts. He joined choreographer Akbar Sami’s dance group and gradually established himself in the field. His talent earned recognition when he won an All India Dance Competition in 1991 and later secured a top finish at an international dance championship in London.

The success opened doors in the film industry. He began working as a choreographer and eventually came into contact with several film personalities. Actress Jaya Bachchan noticed his potential and recommended him for a role in Tere Mere Sapne, which marked his acting debut in 1996.

However, the breakthrough he expected did not come immediately.

Over the next several years, Arshad appeared in multiple films, but many failed to leave a major impact at the box office. Like many actors without industry backing, he found himself repeatedly struggling to secure meaningful opportunities.

His career trajectory changed dramatically in 2003 with Munna Bhai M.B.B.S.

Cast opposite Sanjay Dutt, Arshad played Circuit, the loyal friend and sidekick who would eventually become one of Hindi cinema’s most memorable characters. Ironically, the actor has revealed that he initially believed the role would do little for his career and even feared the film might be his last major project.

The gamble paid off.

Circuit became a cultural phenomenon, and audiences embraced the chemistry between Munna and Circuit. Arshad later revealed that he had suggested several creative changes to the character, including replacing the original name and refining the look and mannerisms that eventually became synonymous with the role.

The success of Lage Raho Munna Bhai, the Golmaal franchise and the Dhamaal series established him as one of Bollywood’s most dependable comic performers. Yet he consistently sought roles beyond comedy.

Films such as Ishqiya and Jolly LLB showcased a different side of his acting abilities, while the OTT series Asur introduced him to a new generation of viewers as a serious performer capable of handling layered and complex characters.