Once dismissed as a B-grade film, ‘Gunda’ (1998) has gained cult status, with Mukesh Rishi's character Bulla becoming a fan favourite. In a recent interview, Rishi shared that it was Saif Ali Khan who informed him of the film's newfound popularity.
In an interview, Mukesh Rishi shared that he initially accepted the villain role in ‘Gunda’ for the pay, but regretted it once filming began due to the film's language. He noted that while Kanti Shah's films were popular, they weren't considered mainstream. Even Shakti Kapoor questioned his decision to take on the role.
Mukesh Rishi recalled when he realised ‘Gunda’ had gained ironic popularity in the internet age. He shared that Saif Ali Khan informed him about the film going viral on social media, which surprised him. Reflecting on its lasting appeal, Rishi expressed happiness that the younger generation has found humour in the film, despite his initial concerns about how such roles would affect his image. He added that even his daughter now playfully quotes his iconic line, saying, “Bulla, Bulla kya kar raha hai?”
