Happy birthday Arshad Warsi: Is he one of the most underrated actors in Bollywood?

Arshad Warsi reminds me of the great European actors who can fit into any role. But he is completely under-utilised," told actress Vidya Balan to national magazine, in an old interview.

Dark comedy, slapstick, evil or earnest, he can do it all. But why is Warsi, whose 'Jolly LLB' won the National Award recently, one of the most underrated actors in Indian cinema?

Warsi became a household name with his portrayal of the lovable goon, Circuit, in Rajkumar Hirani's 'Munnabhai MBBS'.

Apart from portraying happy, quirky characters, he also played the bad guy in 'Zila Ghaziabad'.

In an old interview, Warsi's 'Ishqiya' co-star and legendary actor Naseeruddin Shah called him one of the most versatile actors he has come across".

But we can say with certainty, that from 'Tere Mere Sapne' in 1996 to being the solo 'hero' National Award-winning 'Jolly LLB', there are good times in store. Especially for his loyal audience.

From Bhai-giri to Gandhi-giri, Circuit and Munna go through hilarious situations.

Warsi has also portrayed roles with darker comic shades, such as the role of Punit Sanyal in the under-watched, but critically-acclaimed film, 'Waisa Bhi Hota Hai Part II'.

Is it because of his unconventional good looks, or the image of a 'comic' character, that has led to underwhelming response to this brilliant actor from the film fraternity?