Mukesh Rishi, a well-known actor in Bollywood, has recently expressed regret over his role in the 1998 cult film ‘Gunda.’ The movie, directed by Kanti Shah, is often categorized as a B-grade film due to its crass language and over-the-top dialogues. Despite the criticism, Mukesh Rishi’s dialogue, “Mera naam hai Bulla, rakhta hoon khulla,” became a massive hit and remains popular even today. In a recent interview, Mukesh Rishi opened up about his feelings regarding the film and shared an interesting conversation he had with Saif Ali Khan about the unexpected cult status of ‘Gunda.’
Mukesh Rishi Regrets Signing ‘Gunda’
Mukesh Rishi, who played the notorious villain Bulla in ‘Gunda,’ revealed in an interview with ‘Hindi Rush’ that he regrets signing the film. At the time, Mukesh was emerging as a new villain in the industry, and the offer to play Bulla seemed like a good opportunity. The filmmakers were paying him well, and he didn’t think too much about the project before accepting it.
However, once the shooting began, Mukesh started to have second thoughts. He was particularly uncomfortable with the film’s language and tone. “I regretted my decision because of the language of the film. Everyone in the film, whether it was Shakti Kapoor or Mohan Joshi, was speaking in the same tone and language, and I had to do the same,” Mukesh said.
Despite his reservations, ‘Gunda’ resonated with a certain audience, and over the years, it has gained a cult following. Mukesh admitted that he was surprised to see that even after 26 years, people still talk about ‘Gunda,’ his character Bulla, and the film’s dialogues.
Shakti Kapoor Raised Concerns Too
Mukesh Rishi wasn’t the only actor with doubts about the film. He mentioned that Shakti Kapoor, another veteran actor known for his roles in similar movies, also questioned his decision to be part of ‘Gunda.’ “Kanti Shah was known for making such films, and ‘Gunda’ was liked by the audience. It wasn’t that these films were flops, but they weren’t considered mainstream cinema. Even Shakti Kapoor questioned my decision to make this film,” Mukesh shared.
Despite the film’s reputation, it found an audience, and its dialogues became a source of endless memes and viral videos on social media. The film’s exaggerated style and memorable lines have turned it into a piece of internet lore, with new generations discovering and enjoying it for its unintentional humor.
Saif Ali Khan’s Take on ‘Bulla’
One of the most surprising aspects of Mukesh Rishi’s experience with ‘Gunda’ was a conversation he had with Bollywood star Saif Ali Khan. Mukesh recalled that Saif informed him about the film’s popularity on social media. “Saif told me that my film is going viral on social media. I asked him which one, and he replied, ‘Gunda.’ At that time, I was afraid of what people would think of me after seeing me in such a role,” Mukesh said.
However, Mukesh also acknowledged that today’s generation views the film differently. What once caused him hesitation has now become a source of amusement and nostalgia for many. He even shared that his own daughter teases him by saying, “Bulla, what is Bulla doing?”
Mukesh Rishi’s reflections on ‘Gunda’ highlight the changing perceptions of cinema over time. While the film was initially criticized for its content and style, it has since become a cult classic, beloved for its campy charm and memorable one-liners. Mukesh may have had his doubts, but the film’s enduring popularity shows that even the most unexpected projects can leave a lasting impact.
As the internet continues to celebrate ‘Gunda’ and its characters, Mukesh Rishi’s role as Bulla remains a testament to the unpredictable nature of the film and the power of nostalgia in shaping cinematic legacies.
