The series ‘Mirzapur’ premiered on Amazon Prime Video in 2018 and quickly became a fan favorite. Renowned for its gripping storyline, intense action sequences, and a stellar cast, ‘Mirzapur’ carved a niche for itself in the Indian web series landscape. Among its diverse characters, ‘Munna Bhaiya’ captured the hearts of viewers the most. However, the role, famously portrayed by Divyenndu Sharma, was initially offered to another actor from the ‘Jamtara’ series.
The Journey of ‘Munna Bhaiya’
‘Munna Bhaiya’ is introduced as a negative character but has become a beloved figure due to the depth and nuance that the actor brought to the role. Since the release of its first season, which has now expanded to three, various anecdotes have surfaced, including the revelation that Divyenndu was not the first choice for this iconic character.
Amit Sial’s Revelation
Recently, Amit Sial, who played the role of Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ram Sharan Maurya in the series, shared insights during an interview regarding the casting of ‘Munna Bhaiya’. He disclosed, “I was initially offered the role of Munna Bhaiya. But, it’s evident that I couldn’t possibly play the son of Pankaj Tripathi.” Amit expressed his satisfaction with the character he eventually portrayed, describing it as a classic role in its own right. His camaraderie with Divyenndu was evident as he praised his friend for successfully bringing the character of Munna to life.
Divyenndu Sharma’s Perspective
With the release of the third season of ‘Mirzapur’ in July, fans were eager to see Divyenndu reprise his role. However, the storyline took a surprising turn, leading to the conclusion of Munna Bhaiya’s arc. After season 2, Divyenndu decided to step away from the show. In a candid discussion with Zoom, he remarked, “When you portray a negative character, it becomes challenging to romanticize that role over time.” He emphasized that the burden of a negative role can become overwhelming, making it essential to move on to preserve one’s mental space.
The Impact of ‘Mirzapur’ on Divyenndu
Despite stepping back from the series, Divyenndu conveyed gratitude for the immense love and support he received from fans. He acknowledged that the popularity of Munna Bhaiya sometimes became excessive, creating a challenge when attempting to move beyond that persona. He remarked, “You feel fortunate to receive so much love, but it also makes it difficult for audiences to forget the character you’ve embodied for so long.”
Future of ‘Mirzapur’
Divyenndu’s latest film, ‘Madhgaon Express,’ directed by Kunal Khemu, released in March 2024. As fans eagerly anticipate the next chapter of ‘Mirzapur,’ there’s speculation about how the story will evolve, especially in light of the dramatic conclusion of the third season. Viewers are hoping that the creators will devote considerable attention to the narrative for the upcoming fourth season.
