Seraj Anwar/Patna

The character of Dadda Tyagi in the popular Mirzapur (2) web series that broke all records of popularity on the OTT platforms introduced veteran actor Lilliput Faruqui to a new generation of Indian cinema lovers.

Known for playing comic roles in blockbuster films like Bunty aur Babli and Saagar, Lilliput proved that physical stature is subservient to talent, literally. He never let his dwarfism come in the way of his talent.

The life and career of this TV and film actor whose real name is Mohammad Misbahuddin Faruqui is a metaphor for the talent and perseverance of the human spirit.

Lilliput faced difficulties in the initial days of his affair with the Bollywood and entertainment industry. However, with his first role as Cheena in the Bollywood film Saagar, featuring Kamal Hassan, Dimple Kapadia, and Rishi Kapoor in 1985,that gave him instant success  and later a trumpet player in a band in the blockbuster Bunty Aur Babli (2005), Lilliput became an intrinsic part of the Indian entertainment industry.

Lilliput with veteran actor Tiku Talsania

His latest role as Dadda Tyagi in the Mirzapur web series has left a deep impression of this midget star on the minds of a new generation of entertainment consumers.

Lilliput has won everyone's hearts not only with his acting but also with the interesting stories of his life.

Hailing from the Gewal Bigha locality of Gaya city of Bihar, Lilliput was born three years after independence. He graduated from the Mirza Ghalib College, Gaya. His wife is Sulekha and they have two daughters Isha and Girish.

Lilliput has been passionate about acting since childhood. He started acting on stage from school and college. Seeing this, his friend Ashok Narayan encouraged him to try his luck in films. After graduation, Lilliput moved to Mumbai.

Lilliput

In Mumbai, he joined theatre and in his first stage appearance in “Ek Tha Gadha alias Aladad Khan” in 1979, he became popular.

He made his debut in Bollywood with the film ‘Romance’ (1983), followed by ‘Grihasthi’ in which he played the role of a waiter.

He worked in his first television series 'Idhar Udhar' (1985–1998) with Ratna Pathak and Supriya Pathak. He also worked as a scriptwriter for television series.

However, his best in TV was his role in the serial 'Vikram Aur Betaal'. Lilliput did films like Phir Hukumat, Woh Phir Aayegi, Swarg, Dushman Duniya Ka, Shikari, Aunty No. 1, Shararat, Naqsha, Bunty Aur Babli, Kamyaab andBeast.

His multiple roles in the comic serial Doordarshan Dekh Bhai Dekh in 1995 were also a great hit with the audiences.

he made a new mark with his brilliant acting in TV serials like Vikram Aur Betaal, Shaurya Aur Suhani, Adalat, Razia Sultan, andZabaan Sambhal Ke.

He has also done roles in many South Indian films. Interestingly, Lilliput not only acted in the serial Vikram and Betaal but also wrote its story.

Lilliput with Vijay Varma in Mirzapur 2

Besides, he also wrote Doordarshan's popular show 'Indradhanush'. In 1992, he wrote dialogues for the film 'Chamatkar' starring Naseeruddin Shah, Shahrukh Khan, and Urmila Matondkar.

Speaking about the ups and downs of his life, Lilliput said he had to borrow Rs 130 from a friend to come to Bombay to try his luck in the industry.

In Mumbai, Lilliput had no assignments for a long time. He had no money to eat and had to go hungry for days. Even today, Lilliput gets emotional remembering those days.

He had to go hungry for 15 days. A close friend came to know about it and fed him. During those days, Lilliput did off jobs like pasting posters, digging pits, chopping and selling wood, and putting up hoardings. He did every small job to survive but never gave up.

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Lilliput has been in the industry for 39 years. He remembers how some people made fun of his short height when he went to seek work. However, Lilliput did not let his dwarfism dominate his talent and success.