Some actors lose weight, some gain muscle—but Mukesh Tiwari went to a whole new level of dedication for his film role. He didn’t bathe for 50 days straight!
For “China Gate,” He Became Jagira—Body and Soul
Directed by Rajkumar Santoshi, the 1998 film China Gate may not have been a box office success, but it gave Bollywood one of its most intense villains—Jagira. Played by Mukesh Tiwari, the character reminded many of the legendary Gabbar Singh from Sholay.
To bring Jagira to life, Mukesh lived like the ruthless bandit he portrayed—dirty, unkempt, and wild. He didn’t shower for nearly two months to look the part, though he reportedly used perfume to mask the smell. During the shoot in mountain regions, crows and vultures were said to gather around him due to his rugged appearance, and his look scared locals who mistook him for a real outlaw!
China Gate Had Big Names
The film also starred legendary actors like Om Puri, Naseeruddin Shah, and Amrish Puri. Yet, it was Mukesh Tiwari’s raw, gritty performance as Jagira that stole the spotlight and remains iconic even 27 years later.
Stardom Overnight—But Not Immediate Offers
Though China Gate brought Mukesh instant fame, offers didn’t come pouring in right away. It took another two years before he landed the role of Vasooli Bhai in Rohit Shetty’s Golmaal, which made him a fan-favorite in comedy as well.
From Jagira to Vasooli Bhai—A Versatile Star
Mukesh Tiwari’s journey shows how far an actor can go for a role. From terrifying audiences as Jagira to making them laugh as Vasooli Bhai, he remains one of Bollywood’s most underrated yet unforgettable performers.