The Amazon Prime series Mirzapur, which premiered in 2018, quickly became a cultural phenomenon in India. Its gripping storyline, intense action sequences, and unforgettable characters captured the hearts of viewers. Among the ensemble cast, the character of Munna Bhaiya, portrayed by Divyendu Sharma, emerged as a fan favorite. However, few know that Divyendu wasn’t the original choice for this iconic role. In a surprising revelation, Amit Sial, known for his role in the series Jamtara, was initially considered for the part of Munna Bhaiya.
Amit Sial’s Candid Revelation
During a recent interview with Filmi Gyaan, Amit Sial opened up about being the first choice for Munna Bhaiya. He shared that the role was offered to him, but it was eventually passed on to Divyendu. The reason? Amit felt that he didn’t quite fit the image of Pankaj Tripathi’s son, who plays the role of Kaleen Bhaiya in the series. This misalignment in the father-son dynamic led the makers to reconsider their casting choice.
Amit, however, expressed no regrets about the decision. He went on to play the role of SSP Ram Sharan Maurya, a character that also earned appreciation from fans. Reflecting on the casting decision, Amit mentioned, “I’m happy with the character I portrayed. It was a classic role, and Divyendu, who is a good friend of mine, did a fantastic job as Munna Bhaiya.”
The Impact of Munna Bhaiya’s Character
Munna Bhaiya, despite being a negative character, became one of the most beloved figures in the series. His complex personality and intense performance struck a chord with the audience. The character’s arc spanned two seasons, with Divyendu bringing depth and nuance to the role. However, by the end of the second season, Munna Bhaiya’s journey came to a close, leaving fans both shocked and disappointed.
In an interview with Zoom, Divyendu shared his thoughts on leaving the show after season 2. He revealed that playing a negative role for an extended period can become burdensome. “When you’re in a role like this, it’s easy to romanticize it, but after a while, it can weigh heavily on you,” Divyendu said. He explained that stepping away from the character was the best decision for his mental and emotional well-being.
The Future of Mirzapur
Mirzapur’s third season, released in July 2023, left fans eagerly awaiting the next chapter in the saga. Although Munna Bhaiya was absent from this installment, the show’s creators have hinted at more seasons to come. Fans are hopeful that the storyline will evolve and perhaps bring back some of the magic that made the earlier seasons so captivating.
Divyendu, meanwhile, has moved on to other projects. His last film, Madgaon Express, directed by Kunal Khemu, was released in March 2024. Despite his departure from Mirzapur, Divyendu remains grateful for the overwhelming love and recognition he received as Munna Bhaiya. “It’s a blessing to have a character that resonates so deeply with people. But sometimes, it’s important to step back and let go,” he concluded.
As fans continue to speculate about the future of Mirzapur, one thing is certain: the legacy of Munna Bhaiya, whether played by Divyendu or another actor, will remain etched in the annals of Indian web series history.
