Kiran Kumar Exclusive Interview on Welcome To The Jungle: "Sometimes one line achieves what 10-12 scenes cannot..."

Welcome To The Jungle is currently entertaining the audience in cinemas, winning hearts for its writing, punch lines, and distinct characters with unique traits. One such character which stood out beautifully was Murad Chacha, played by actor Kiran Kumar. In an exclusive chat with Pinkvilla, Kiran Kumar got candid and dropped some major insights on his character development, behind-the-scenes fun with Akshay Kumar, and experience of working with such a huge ensemble. 

(Excerpt from the interview) 

Q. How often do you find a character with such a distinct identity that becomes a part of meme culture instantly? 

Kiran Kumar: It feels wonderful. Murad Chacha speaks such pure Urdu that nobody understands him, and that's exactly what people have appreciated. They don't know what he's saying, but they enjoy it. I especially enjoyed playing this role in a film like this. And my dialogue ‘Badi bee sahi keh rahi hai’ has gone viral. I think sometimes one line achieves what 10-12 scenes cannot. 

Q. Is there anything you learned while working with comedy ke Dhurandhars: Akshay Kumar, Johny Lever, Paresh Rawal, Rajpal Yadav? 

Kiran Kumar: Akshay Kumar is one of the best in this genre. Johnny (Lever) bhai is a legend. Paresh (Rawal) bhai and so many others are incredible performers. I learned one thing while working with Johnny bhai: when he's on screen with you, let him do what he does best. Don't try to match him. Just react naturally and stay present.

The same goes for Akshay. He's exceptional. The scene where Jackie Shroff says, "Dance karo," and everything Akshay does afterwards is incredibly difficult. It's almost impossible for anyone else to perform that scene the way he did.

Q. It was such a big cast. What was the atmosphere on set? Was it chaotic or fun? 

Kiran Kumar: There were around 40 actors. Everyone came according to their schedule, worked hard, and gave their best. Nobody held back.

Hats off to our director, Ahmed Khan. Managing so many actors in one film and ensuring everyone gets justice is an incredible achievement. It was an amazing experience. 

Q. Your camaraderie with Farida Jalal ji was again a highlight of the film. What would you like to say about your chemistry with her? 

Kiran Kumar: I've worked with Farida ji many times. The relationship between Badi Bee and Murad Chacha can't really be defined. It's pure chemistry. I enjoy working with her because I learn so much. She's an extraordinary talent. As an actor, you simply watch what she does and learn.

She plays a character who lisps, yet she expresses every emotion perfectly. Many actors struggle to convey emotion even with proper dialogue, but she does it effortlessly. Farida ji is mind-blowing in this film. I don't think she's ever played a role like this before, and she's proved that a true actor can perform any kind of role.

Q. You've been active in the industry for over six decades and have played almost every kind of role. Is there anything that still challenges or makes you anxious?

Kiran Kumar: I haven't mastered anything. I'm still a student, always trying to do justice to every role. I've played leading roles and many different characters, but I'd never played someone like Murad Chacha. I still have many goals, and many roles are left to play. The day I think I've mastered everything is the day I stop growing.

I simply perform what is expected of me. The best feeling is when your director believes in your performance. Fortunately, everything I did for this role had my director's approval. Ahmed bhai is a very supportive director. Even when memorising lines took time, he would encourage me by saying, "First class, Kiran bhai. Fantastic. Very good." 

Q. You share a long history with Akshay Kumar. Do you see any difference in Akshay Kumar in his earlier days vs now? 

Kiran Kumar: I worked with him in Dhadkan, which became a cult film. The Akshay Kumar of Dhadkan and the Akshay Kumar of Welcome To The Jungle are naturally different because the roles are completely different.

In Dhadkan, he played a serious lover beautifully. The songs and dancing have always been his strengths. Today, what stands out is his comic timing. It's impeccable. He understands scenes thoroughly, contributes ideas, improvises, and makes them even better. He's done a remarkable job.

Q. Since you mentioned Dhadkan, your confrontation scene with Suniel Shetty has become a part of pop culture. How do you feel about that? 

Kiran Kumar: Yes, wherever I go, people ask me to say my dialogues from Dhadkan or Lotiya Pathan (from Tezaab). The line I say to Suniel Shetty, "Tu kal bhi badtameez hai tu aaj bhi badtameez hai (You were rude yesterday, so you'll be rude today as well)," has become iconic.

Now, with Welcome To The Jungle, a new punchline has arrived: "Badi bee sahi keh rahi hain (Badi Bee is saying right)." Let's see how far it goes. 

Q. OTT has become a new avenue for actors. Would you like to explore that space also?

Kiran Kumar: I'm ready to explore anything. Anything that challenges me as an actor interests me. I've done comedy. Now I'd love to do something deeply emotional. A powerful negative role would also be exciting.

I've already worked on OTT projects, and people continue to approach me. Whether it's OTT, television, Hindi films, or Gujarati films, I'm open to every kind of work.

I don't believe any work is big or small. Work is work. The more you face the camera, the more comfortable you become with it. It's important to remain friends with the camera.

Q. You're now in your seventies and still working continuously. How do you balance your personal and professional life, especially at this age? 

Kiran Kumar: My work is everything, both in my personal and professional life. I love spending time at home with my family and children. I enjoy going to the gym, swimming, listening to music, and eating good home-cooked food. I rarely eat at restaurants.

Like Akshay, I also try not to eat after a certain time and often skip breakfast. 

Q. What are your next projects? Can you share anything about that?

Kiran Kumar: I’m doing a lot of things. Even now I’m in the middle of a shoot. I hope more filmmakers cast me after watching my work in Welcome To The Jungle. 

Stay tuned to Pinkvilla for more.

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