Kanwarjeet Paintal sparked an online conversation with a sarcastic comment about social media and acting. At a time when the industry continues to debate whether talent alone is enough, the veteran actor’s style of humor has struck a chord.In a video shared by Manmeet Singh, Paintal is asked a simple question: “Are you an actor?” His response — “Jee, nahin” — sets the tone. When Manmeet insisted that audiences had watched him perform for decades, Bentall said the final line: “I have no followers on Instagram. Therefore, I am not an actor!”Taking the joke a step further, when asked if those without followers were ineligible as actors, Bentall smiled and said: “They’re not at all!” While Manmeet concludes with “Lots of love,” Bentall cheekily adds: “And also lots of followers!”
The video goes viral. It was photographed during the shooting of ‘Masti’.
The clip has resonated widely, with over 8,000 views as of April 28 and steadily moving towards the one million mark.Manmeet later revealed that the video was shot in 2023 on the sets of Hukus Bukus. “We were making masti on the sets and planned this with the sir. He took it in a sporting way – it was a lot of fun,” he told Bollywood Hungama, adding that they still talk about it.“I feel these legendary actors should have more followers on Instagram.
He’s a really cool and humble person. “As an actor, he is top notch, which everyone knows,” Manmeet added.
A legacy that goes far beyond numbers
Kanwarjeet Paintal’s career spans over five decades, making him one of the most recognizable faces in films and television. He is widely remembered for playing Shikhandi and Sudama in the film Mahabharat, created by BR Chopra, which also featured his brother Gufi Paintal as Shakuni.His filmography includes Jawani Deewani (1972), Aaj Ki Taza Khabar (1973), Bawarchi (1973), Heera Panna (1973), Ravo Shekar (1975) and Chala Murari Hero Paan (1978). Recently, he appeared in Anupamaa.