According to sources, Arshad Warsi is believed to have given himself a pay hike. “Arshad was paid in the bracket of Rs. 1.5 to Rs. 2 crore but has suddenly started charging around Rs. 3 crore for his upcoming projects,” says a trade source. When contacted, Arshad didn’t confirm the news and maintained an ambiguous stand. “I have always been quite busy and I want a little more now,” he says. However, the raise hasn’t stopped filmmakers from signing him on.

The actor, however, is not overwhelmed with the success of his recent release, director Subhash Kapoor’s Jolly LLB, as he thinks that he is too old to celebrate. “I have passed that age. I am happy that the hard work paid off. But I need a lot more. I shouldn’t be too excited about just one success,” he says. Arshad, who is simultaneously shooting for two films — Dedh Ishqiya and Bhaiyyaji Superhitt — was happy to get a holiday for his birthday, April 19.

“I was supposed to be shooting, but luckily it got cancelled. I got the day off and I am very happy about it,” he says. When asked what the best birthday gift he received this year was, he said, “My children make beautiful cards for me, which I carefully preserve. They make cakes too, which is very sweet of them.” However, he has yet to get a gift from his wife Maria Goretti. “She also gives me simple things and I love them,” he adds.