What Makes Mukesh Rishi's Portrayal of Campy Villain ‘Bulla’ in ‘Gunda’ Iconic?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Mukesh Rishi reflects on his iconic role as Bulla from ‘Gunda’ and how it has become a cult classic. In a candid interview, he discusses the challenges of portraying such a campy villain and his commitment to his craft, all while gearing up for his upcoming series ‘Salakaar’.
Key Takeaways
- Mukesh Rishi's career spans nearly four decades.
- The character of Bulla in ‘Gunda’ has achieved cult status.
- Rishi reflects on the challenges faced while filming.
- The younger generation appreciates the humor in campy films.
- ‘Salakaar’ explores the life of a spy navigating complex situations.
Mumbai, Aug 6 (NationPress) Actor Mukesh Rishi, who is set to appear in the upcoming streaming series ‘Salakaar’, has dedicated nearly 40 years to the film industry. Among his numerous projects, one film stands out with a massive cult following: Kanti Shah’s ‘Gunda’.
In this film, the actor took on the legendary villain role of Bulla, which has over time turned into a social media phenomenon.
In an interview with IANS ahead of the ‘Salakaar’ release, he recounted his first day on the ‘Gunda’ set, realizing he had entered a challenging environment.
‘Gunda’, directed by Kanti Shah, is known for its campy nature, often featuring risqué content aimed at fans of B movies.
Reflecting on his experience, the actor stated, “Kanti Shah had his own unique vision. I was the new villain in his world, and he offered me a better paycheck. However, upon arriving on set, I was taken aback. I thought, ‘What have I gotten myself into?’ Even seasoned actors like Shakti Kapoor questioned my presence. I found myself thinking, ‘I shouldn’t be here.’”
When informed that the film has garnered a significant audience, especially among younger viewers who adore his campy villain, Mukesh expressed, “I’m thrilled that today’s youth find humor in it. I felt uneasy while filming, but they’ve turned it into a beloved piece of content. The front benchers were avid fans of Kanti Shah’s films.”
“I believed I should steer clear of such roles. There was no one to guide me at that time. I was also working alongside Aamir Khan and Sunny Deol, which added to my uncertainty. Yet, I have a principle: once I commit, I give my all, regardless of whether it’s a small or significant role,” he added.
The film industry, particularly the realm of B movies, has been explored in the OTT series ‘Cinema Marte Dum Tak’, which delves into both the creative and commercial aspects of this genre.
Meanwhile, ‘Salakaar’ narrates the journey of a spy navigating through intricate challenges. The series is set to premiere on JioHotstar on August 8, 2025.
Point of View
Mukesh Rishi’s reflections on his career highlight the complexities of Bollywood, particularly in the niche of B movies, which often skate a thin line between ridicule and celebration. His journey emphasizes the paradox of artistic integrity versus commercial viability, resonating with both seasoned cinephiles and newer audiences alike.
NationPress
09/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What role did Mukesh Rishi play in ‘Gunda’?
Mukesh Rishi portrayed the iconic villain Bulla, which has become a cult favorite over the years.
When is the series ‘Salakaar’ releasing?
‘Salakaar’ is set to stream on JioHotstar starting August 8, 2025.
What is the significance of ‘Gunda’ in Mukesh Rishi's career?
‘Gunda’ has a massive cult following, making Mukesh Rishi's role as Bulla iconic and beloved by fans, particularly the younger audience.
Who directed the film ‘Gunda’?
The film ‘Gunda’ was directed by Kanti Shah, known for his campy B movies.
What themes are explored in ‘Cinema Marte Dum Tak’?
‘Cinema Marte Dum Tak’ explores the creative and commercial aspects of B movies, showcasing the unique world of this film genre.
