Twenty-five years after making his Bollywood debut opposite Kareena Kapoor Khan in Mujhe Kucch Kehna Hai, Tusshar Kapoor is still best known for making audiences laugh. But as he celebrates this major milestone, he’s also stepping into new territory with the political thriller Janaadesh. In a freewheeling conversation, the actor opened up about his journey, his undying love for the franchises that made him a household name, and what fans can expect from Welcome To The Jungle and Golmaal 5.
A Milestone That Feels Surreal
Looking back on his 25-year career, Tusshar admits it’s all flown by in a flash. “Twenty-five years passed in the blink of an eye,” he says with a mix of wonder and gratitude. The actor knows exactly who to thank for his longevity — the comedy franchises Golmaal and Welcome that turned him into a beloved face across generations.
“I feel blessed that these universes have stayed with me,” he shares. For Tusshar, these films are more than just box-office hits — they’re the reason he connects with audiences of all ages. “They are the reason why I became a household name, connecting with children and older people.” Despite treading new ground with Janaadesh, he makes it clear he’s not walking away from his roots. “I’ll never stop doing the ‘Welcomes’ and the ‘Golmaals’. They are my bread and butter.”
However, the actor is also aware of the need to evolve. “I have to keep reinventing myself and doing different roles,” he says, explaining why he signed up for a political thriller that’s a far cry from his slapstick comedies.
Reuniting With Akshay For ‘Welcome To The Jungle’
Welcome To The Jungle brings Tusshar back alongside Akshay Kumar, a co-star he has worked with in films like Khakee and Insan. The sheer size of the cast — over 30 actors — was a challenge director Ahmed Khan tackled head-on. “He never compromised on how he visualised and executed the film. He has justified the cast in the story,” Tusshar praises. The actor adds that the complexity and scale explain why the film took time to come together. “Maybe that’s why it has taken time, but that’s his passion.”
Working with Akshay again was a treat, and Tusshar couldn’t help but highlight the superstar’s sharpness behind the playful persona. “Akshay is sharp and the entire script is at the tip of his fingers. Even though he’s always joking around and playing pranks, he works equally hard.”
Back To The Madness Of ‘Golmaal’
For Tusshar, returning to Rohit Shetty’s madcap Golmaal universe feels less like work and more like a family reunion. Before shooting for Golmaal 5, the cast rewatched Golmaal Again to tap back into its energy. “We watched it to bring back that energy. We’ve all grown up together making these films,” he recalls. He also credits Rohit Shetty for creating a disciplined yet comfortable environment. “Rohit is another institution. Everything is organised, everything is scheduled, and his team makes you feel so comfortable.”
Does he ever worry about being typecast? “Of course you get typecast. But I look at it positively because people love those films,” he says, choosing to see it as a compliment rather than a limitation. As he steps into the next 25 years, Tusshar Kapoor remains grateful for the franchises that gave him his identity — even as he continues to seek roles that let him surprise audiences beyond comedy.