After schooling, Arshad wanted to join the Indian Army. But things didn't work out, and he struggled for years as a salesperson with only one dream – to own a good house and lead a life of luxury. He landed up with Mahesh Bhatt and assisted him for almost a year and a half, and that was his learning ground in which he imbibed quite a lot of qualities that have contributed to his growth as an individual. Today the mischievous, ever-smiling visage of Arshad Warsi has become a signature of this actor, who delivered a brilliant performance in his first film, ABCL's Tere Mere Sapne. Many more films later, including the hilarious Munnabhai MBBS and the recent Golmaal, expect the unexpected from this natural actor in Anthony Kaun Hai?, his latest starrer which looks slick and promising. Excerpts from the interview:

What would you have been if not an actor?

I would have probably been a choreographer if not an actor. But I would have not choreographed for movies; I would have preferred musical plays or dances.

Tell us something about your movie Anthony Kaun Hai?

It is a thriller, not a very serious type but slightly comical; though whatever is happening in the lives of the characters in the movie is something which is real. But we have tried to keep the movie as light as possible so that the audience can enjoy the same. I will not call it a comedy; in fact it is a light thriller.

How was the chemistry between you and Sanjay Dutt?

When I heard the story, and when we were discussing the characters, trust me there was nobody in my mind except Sanju. And when you watch the film even you will feel the same that nobody can play this character better than Sanju. But being such a senior actor in the industry, I did not have the guts to go and approach him for the movie. It was just playing in my mind to have Sanju in the film. So I went and told Sanju that "I need to talk to you for a minute, I am making a film so do you want to hear the story?" and he said NO! What he told me after that was simply unbelievable. He said: "Arshad, I know you from such a long time and I trust you a lot, so I don't want to hear the story. I will definitely work in your film".

What is the reason behind this trust?

We have spent so much time with each other so we have developed a trust for each other over a period of time. And of course, you can do everything for some people and nothing for some people. That is life. It is fun working with Sanju. This is my second film wherein I will be closely associated with Sanju. We share a very good comfort level with each other even off-screen. Like I just got a message from him from London saying if I was fine and required anything from there. So I don't consider him more a friend and less a co-star.

What is your character in the movie?

I am shown as a very helpless character. Helpless because I do work which no one would ever do – forgery :-). He is an expert in making fake ID cards, passports, visas etc. On the other hand, he is a regular guy very happy with his life. He is earning well, his life is settled and he has a nice girlfriend. So overall he is a very normal guy who gets trapped later on. He does not know how, where and when he got trapped and who is after him, all he knows is he has to save his own life. It is a very different story.

Any favorite dialogues from Bollywood?

I have many of them but the best is the Shakti Kapoor dialogue wherein the girl says: "mujhe Bhagwan ke liye chhod do' and he says "agar maine tumhe Bhagwan ke liye chhod diya to phir main kya karoonga?'. Of course, all the dialogues of Sholay are my favourite.

What are you expecting out of your career now that you have got a new lease?

I just want great work to happen. Just to keep working and earning recognition and respect for what one does. It's disheartening to not be appreciated. I have this grouse that people take comedy so lightly. I've found how difficult it is to essay a comic role after doing both serious and comic roles. Just because you are making people laugh they think you've got it easy. The people who make you laugh are the most serious people really. Like Charlie Chaplin or Johnny Walker. Here we feel if you cry you are a good actor.