Kanwarjit Paintal says he isn't an actor as he lacks Instagram followers; Manmeet Singh reveals the viral video was planned
ETimes | April 29, 2026 3:39 AM CST
Kanwarjit Paintal has sparked a conversation online with a tongue-in-cheek remark about social media and acting. At a time when the industry continues to debate whether talent alone is enough, the veteran actor’s humorous take has struck a chord.
In a video shared by Manmeet Singh , Paintal is asked a simple question: “Are you an actor?” His response—“Ji, nahin”—sets the tone. When Manmeet insists that audiences have seen him perform for decades, Paintal delivers the punchline, “I don’t have followers on Instagram. Hence, I am not an actor!”
Taking the joke a step further, when asked if those without followers don’t qualify as actors, Paintal smiles and says, “They absolutely don’t!” As Manmeet wraps up with “Lots of love,” Paintal cheekily adds, “And also lots of followers!”
Manmeet later revealed that the video was shot in 2023 on the sets of Hukus Bukus . “We were doing masti on the sets and planned this with sir. He took it sportingly—it was great fun,” he told Bollywood Hungama, adding that they still talk about it.
“I feel that such legendary actors should have more followers on Instagram. He’s a very cool and genuinely down-to-earth person. As an actor, he’s first-class, which everyone knows,” Manmeet added.
A legacy that goes far beyond numbersKanwarjit Paintal’s career spans over five decades, making him one of the most recognisable faces across films and television. He is widely remembered for playing Shikhandi and Sudama in Mahabharat , created by B. R. Chopra, which also featured his brother Gufi Paintal as Shakuni.
His filmography includes Jawani Diwani (1972), Aaj Ki Taaza Khabar (1973), Bawarchi (1973), Heera Panna (1973), Rafoo Chakkar (1975) and Chala Murari Hero Banne (1978). More recently, he appeared in Anupamaa .
In a video shared by Manmeet Singh , Paintal is asked a simple question: “Are you an actor?” His response—“Ji, nahin”—sets the tone. When Manmeet insists that audiences have seen him perform for decades, Paintal delivers the punchline, “I don’t have followers on Instagram. Hence, I am not an actor!”
Taking the joke a step further, when asked if those without followers don’t qualify as actors, Paintal smiles and says, “They absolutely don’t!” As Manmeet wraps up with “Lots of love,” Paintal cheekily adds, “And also lots of followers!”
Video goes viral; shot during ‘masti’ on setThe clip has resonated widely, crossing over 8 lakh views as of April 28 and steadily moving towards the 1 million mark.
Manmeet later revealed that the video was shot in 2023 on the sets of Hukus Bukus . “We were doing masti on the sets and planned this with sir. He took it sportingly—it was great fun,” he told Bollywood Hungama, adding that they still talk about it.
“I feel that such legendary actors should have more followers on Instagram. He’s a very cool and genuinely down-to-earth person. As an actor, he’s first-class, which everyone knows,” Manmeet added.
A legacy that goes far beyond numbersKanwarjit Paintal’s career spans over five decades, making him one of the most recognisable faces across films and television. He is widely remembered for playing Shikhandi and Sudama in Mahabharat , created by B. R. Chopra, which also featured his brother Gufi Paintal as Shakuni.
His filmography includes Jawani Diwani (1972), Aaj Ki Taaza Khabar (1973), Bawarchi (1973), Heera Panna (1973), Rafoo Chakkar (1975) and Chala Murari Hero Banne (1978). More recently, he appeared in Anupamaa .
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