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.

Actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh has expressed disappointment after his much-awaited film Punjab 95, released on the OTT platform ZEE5 under the title Satluj, was removed just two days after its digital premiere. While the streaming platform said the decision was taken due to "current circumstances," Diljit said the incident reflected a worrying decline in humanity rather than a personal setback.

Speaking during an Instagram Live session, the actor said he was not upset about the film being taken down because it had already reached audiences online.

"I am not sad that the film has been removed from the internet because it has already reached people. Once something is online, it cannot be erased. What saddens me is that humanity seems to have died," Diljit said, adding that compassion and understanding appear to be fading.

The actor also revealed that he had anticipated possible hurdles before the release. According to him, the team believed that if the film remained available for even a few days, it would achieve its purpose by reaching viewers.

During the interaction, Diljit hinted that another upcoming project had also faced restrictions. He told fans that after this development, he would focus on his scheduled Europe concert tour, with the first performance planned in Berlin.

Following the removal of the film, ZEE5 issued an official statement acknowledging the audience's positive response and thanking viewers for supporting the project.

The platform said it continues to have confidence in the film and its creators, describing Satluj as an important piece of storytelling. However, it stated that the film would remain unavailable until further notice because of the prevailing circumstances.

ZEE5 also said it is exploring all available legal options to restore the film on the platform at the earliest while reaffirming its commitment to meaningful and authentic content.

The controversy has also drawn political reactions.

Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal criticised the decision, describing the removal of the film as an attack on truth, collective memory and freedom of expression. He argued that Punjab's history should be discussed openly rather than suppressed.

The film is based on the life of noted human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, who documented thousands of alleged illegal cremations during Punjab's militancy period. Khalra's investigations attracted international attention before he was abducted in 1995. His family alleged that he was tortured and killed in police custody, following which the Supreme Court ordered a CBI investigation into the case.

The project has witnessed a long and controversial journey before reaching audiences.

Originally announced in 2022 under the title Ghallughara, the film was later renamed Punjab 95 after objections were reportedly raised during the certification process. According to media reports, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) recommended extensive modifications, including numerous cuts and changes related to historical references, although the complete list of suggested changes was never officially published.

Unable to secure theatrical clearance in India, the film premiered internationally in February 2025 and later received recognition at international film festivals, including the Toronto International Film Festival, where Diljit Dosanjh's performance earned praise.

Its digital release on ZEE5 was seen as the first opportunity for Indian audiences to watch the film legally. The unexpected removal shortly after release has now reignited debates around censorship, artistic freedom and the challenges faced by films dealing with politically and historically sensitive subjects.

Neither the streaming platform nor the filmmakers have confirmed when the film will return online, leaving its future release schedule uncertain.

TV Industry Struggles Come Under Spotlight

After Bollywood’s debate on work-life balance, the TV industry struggles have now taken center stage. Popular actors including Arjun Bijlani, Aamir Ali and Nakuul Mehta have opened up about the harsh realities of working in Indian television — from exhausting schedules to delayed payments and the stigma of being labelled “just a TV actor.”

Their candid revelations have sparked fresh conversations about working conditions in the entertainment industry, especially at a time when many actors are transitioning to OTT platforms and films.

Arjun Bijlani on Grueling 12-Hour Shifts

In a recent interaction with IANS, Arjun Bijlani described television shoots as “very tough and challenging.” According to him, a standard 12-hour shift rarely ends on time. Preparation, retakes, overtime and travel often stretch the day far beyond scheduled hours.

Reflecting on his early days, the actor revealed that he once worked “35 days in a 30-day month” due to continuous overtime. The physically and mentally draining routine left little room for rest.

Bijlani, known for shows like:

 Left Right Left

 Miley Jab Hum Tum

 Naagin

He admitted that while conditions have improved slightly, an 8-hour shift model remains impractical for daily soaps. “To deliver quality content, you need those 12 hours,” he explained.

Nakuul Mehta on Typecasting in Television

Another major aspect of TV industry struggles is typecasting. Nakuul Mehta highlighted the prejudice TV actors face when moving to films or OTT platforms.

Currently seen in the web series Space Gen: Chandrayaan, Nakuul said actors often battle the “TV actor” tag, which limits opportunities beyond the small screen.

He rose to fame with:

 Pyaar Ka Dard Hai Meetha Meetha Pyaara Pyaara

 Ishqbaaaz

Nakuul emphasized that many television stars have successfully transitioned to films and OTT, yet the bias continues. According to him, even the television fraternity sometimes lacks pride in its own talent.

Aamir Ali’s Emotional Confession

For Aamir Ali, the struggle was deeply personal. Best known for his role in F.I.R., Aamir admitted that shifting from films to television initially felt like a setback.

After leaving his job to pursue films, projects failed to release and payments were delayed. Financial pressure forced him back to television.

“I used to cry in my vanity van every day,” he revealed in a recent interview. He felt embarrassed when film colleagues questioned his move to TV. His story underlines the financial instability actors often face and the unpredictable nature of showbiz careers.

 Why This Debate Matters Now

The conversation around TV industry struggles is especially relevant today as:

 OTT platforms are redefining content consumption.

 Actors are demanding better work-life balance.

 Audiences are becoming more aware of behind-the-scenes realities.

Industry observers suggest that structured working hours, timely payments, and equal respect across mediums are essential reforms.

The Road Ahead for Indian Television

The experiences shared by Arjun Bijlani, Nakuul Mehta and Aamir Ali shed light on systemic issues within Indian television. While the glamour of the small screen continues to attract millions, the challenges behind the camera remain significant.

As the entertainment industry evolves, these conversations could pave the way for healthier working conditions, greater financial security, and equal recognition for television actors.

The spotlight is no longer just on-screen — it’s now firmly on the system itself.