Khans and Kapoors dominate the Bollywood industry. Is Tiwary next in line? Avinash Tiwary, our most beloved Qais Bhatt, is undoubtedly heading toward becoming the next Rajkummar Rao or Vicky Kaushal. The actor is turning out to be the jack of all trades, acing every role he plays. Avinash made his breakthrough appearance in Imtiaz Ali’s 2018 movie, Laila Majnu and hasn’t stopped since.

The first time the movie was released, the posters were pulled off post-release. And now, the movie is finally getting its much-deserved love and recognition after its re-release this year. What went wrong at that time?

I think that’s how Imtiaz Ali’s movies are. It is difficult to understand and appreciate his world at first, and then a few years later, it is the only universe we wish to be a part of. Laila Majnu, an epic love saga starring Avinash Tiwary and Triptii Dimri, is breaking records at the Box Office currently. People barely knew Avinash back then. Skip to today, and we can’t stop applauding his craft. He takes us on a rollercoaster with his character and leaves us in a pool of tears for a week. We aren’t complaining though. Avinash is truly Imtiaz’ Majnu, who goes through a lambaa intezaar to reunite with his beloved. In reality, he waited so long to get recognised by us as an actor. Do you know how he came into acting?

Related: From Bulbbul To Bad Newz: Has Triptii Dimri Been Reduced To The “Hot Girl” In Bollywood?

Majnu’s maddening journey

Leaving a lucrative career in engineering behind, he ventured out to make a name in Bollywood. For Avinash, career prospects in acting were similar to the pahadon ke peechhe vali jagah that he was desperate to explore as Qais. His fascination bore him fruits when he diligently set out to learn the craft by doing theatre in Mumbai. He took training under Barry John, an Indian theatre actor and director, in Delhi to learn the art in its purest form. 

So, here are some of his movies and web series that deserve a spot on your watchlist.

1. Tu Hai Mera Sunday

Avinash’s Bollywood debut, in Tu Hai Mera Sunday, he plays soccer with his four best friends on a beach every Sunday. In a sudden turn of events, they are forced to find another place for their weekly matches Soon, the five of them set out in search of a new space in the crowded city of Mumbai. However, they struggle to balance their relations with family, romance and friendship.

2. Bulbbul

Avinash mesmerised us with his partnership with Triptii Dimri in Bulbbul. He essays the role of Satyajeet Sarkar, the childhood companion of his brother’s child-bride, Bulbbul. Satya returns from London and finds her grown up but alone. Further, his village is also plagued with mysterious deaths, with everyone telling him it’s the work of a chudail. Soon, he embarks on a journey to find the truth.

Related: Bulbbul Review: A Beautifully Haunting Fairytale With A Twist

3. The Girl on the Train

Avinash Tiwary’s versatility is unstoppable as he takes on a modern character arc through Dr Shekhar Kapoor in The Girl On The Train alongside Parineeti Chopra. The movie follows the story of a recent divorcee, Mira Kapoor. On her daily commute, she romanticises the love life of a seemingly perfect couple living in a house her train crosses. However, something unexpected occurs at that house, changing the lives of everyone around.

4. Khakee: The Bihar Chapter

Neeraj Pandey’s 2022 web series, Khakee: The Bihar Chapter, stars Avinash Tiwary as Chandan Mahto, a Dalit gangster. A virtuous cop is determined to chase a ruthless criminal to save the village from corruption. It is a deadly pursuit for everyone in the village. The series stars Karan Tacker, Nikita Dutta, Vinay Pathak, and Ravi Kishan, among other notable actors.

5. Bambai Meri Jaan

His intense gangster roles are a treat to the eyes. Avinash stunningly plays Dara Kadri, a gangster, in Bambai Meri Jaan. The web series explores post-independent Bombay’s struggle with organised crime. Ismail Kadri (Kay Kay Menon), a dutiful police officer, fights for his family and the nation to cease the criminal activities in the city. His cards turn against him when his son becomes a gangster. 

6. Kaala

The web series cast Avinash as Ritwik Mukherjee, who is believed to be involved in a sophisticated financial crime. Kaala follows the story of a father and his son against the backdrop of India and Bangladesh’s business of Reverse Hawala. Ritwik pretends to solve the crime and catch the culprit. Although, everyone is eyeing him as the one behind the mess.

7. Madgaon Express

Avinash was aware of how he made us cry through Qais Bhatt. So, to compensate for that, he takes on the role of Ayush Gupta in Madgaon Express. Madagon Express will surely put you in a fit of laughter. Directed by Kunal Kemmu, the movie stars Avinash, Divvyendu and Pratik Gandhi, who are all set to make their Goa trip happen. Following this, they face a huge crisis as they move forward with their itinerary. 

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Related: Madgaon Express And ZNMD: Here’s How My Middle-Class Reality Meets My Unrealistic Dreams In An Alternate Universe