The internet has discovered a new favourite in Mirzapur: The Movie, and it is not one of the franchise’s established characters. Actor Mohit Malik, who portrays Birju Lohar, has emerged as one of the film’s most discussed performers, with audiences particularly impressed by his understated intensity and his complicated romance with Rasika Dugal’s Beena Bhabhi.
Released on September 4, the film brings the popular Mirzapur universe to the big screen, with Pankaj Tripathi reprising his role as Kaleen Bhaiya, Ali Fazal returning as Guddu and Divyenndu as Munna. However, Birju, a new addition to the franchise, has succeeded in attracting considerable attention of his own.
So, who exactly is Birju?
Birju is a trusted associate of Babban Yadav, played by Ravi Kishan. A dangerous and skilled man, he uses a chhitanki, a small yet deadly weapon, to eliminate his enemies. However, his character extends well beyond his violent persona.
The central part of Birju’s story revolves around his complicated history with Beena Bhabhi, portrayed by Rasika Dugal. The two were once romantically involved, but Birju was forced to leave her behind after she married Kaleen Bhaiya. Years apart leave him consumed by resentment, longing and a thirst for revenge.
One particular scene has especially resonated with viewers online. Set against the song Saanson Ki Mala, the sequence shows Beena confronting Birju and shooting him. As she leaves the scene in tears, Birju simply responds with a subtle smile.
Though brief, the moment has had a significant impact. Social media has been filled with edits and reactions to the sequence, while viewers have praised Mohit and Rasika’s chemistry. Many have also become invested in the heartbreaking romance embedded within the film’s larger crime narrative.
All about actor Mohit Malik's TV career
Birju represents a significant departure for Mohit from the characters that established him as a popular television actor.
Born on January 11, 1983, in Delhi, Mohit has spent nearly 20 years working in Hindi television. He gained widespread recognition for playing Samrat Singh Rathore in Doli Armaano Ki. He later portrayed Sikandar Singh Gill in Kullfi Kumarr Bajewala, another performance that earned him a strong fan base.
His television credits also include Baatein Kuch Ankahee Si. Mohit participated in Khatron Ke Khiladi 12, where he finished as the second runner-up. He also had a brief stint as Lord Shiva in Gatha Shiv Parivaar Ki – Ganesh Kartikey.
Mohit eventually transitioned to films and made his Bollywood debut with Azaad in 2025. In the film, he played Tez Bahadur opposite Ajay Devgn. Although the movie did not perform strongly at the box office, the role marked another step forward in his film career.
Mohit's performance as Birju
That opportunity eventually brought him to Mirzapur: The Movie.
Director Gurmmeet Singh and the film’s makers approached Mohit to play Birju, a character created specifically for the movie and not seen in the original series. Mohit has referred to Birju as a “surprise element” and described him as a “revengeful lover”.
The actor also underwent a physical makeover for the role. He grew a beard and adopted a rugged, desi appearance to suit Birju’s environment. However, the more demanding task was getting under the skin of a character whose violence hides a deeply emotional past.
Off screen, Mohit has been married to actor Addite, also known as Aditi, Shirwaikar, since 2010. The couple have a son, Ekbir, who was born in 2021. They have generally kept their family life private while continuing their respective careers in the entertainment industry.
