I love to work. What drives me now are my forthcoming films -- Maharathi, Mumbai Meri Jaan and Oye Lucky, Oye Lucky. In the third film, I play triple roles. The film is very challenging and is directed by Dibakar Banerjee [of Khosla Ka Ghosla fame].

Films that scare me motivate me. Now, things that I do with ease do not excite me anymore.

Is Maharathi based on your play?

Yes. Mansoor Khan wanted to do the film with Shah Rukh Khan but it didn't work out. Then someone wanted to do it with Aamir Khan but that didn't work out either. Vipul Shah wanted to do it with Akshay Kumar but when that too didn't work out, he picked me. Shivam Nair [director of Ahista Ahista] will direct the film. It also stars Boman Irani and Naseerbhai.

Don't you think Phir Hera Pheri wasn't as good as Hera Pheri?

It was good but there were a lot of changes, which did not give the desired results. But I feel it had a punch.

Who are your favourite comedy actors in Bollywood?

For me, being an actor, is more important. The best comedy is that an audience does not even realise when he has started laughing. Naseeruddin Shah, Om Puri and Amitabh Bachchan do good comedies. They are good actors and they have dignity in their comedy.

Do you feel today's actors lack depth and cannot reach your benchmark of acting?

I don't think so. Aamir Khan is a very good actor. He can deliver very well.

Which are your favourite comedy films?

Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron, Golmaal, Chupke Chupke, Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi and Padosan.

Don't you think Naseeruddin Shah's directorial venture, Yun Hota Toh Kya Hota, was very disappointing?

Yes [laughs]. It happens. But I think he is a very exciting director. You must see him performing on stage. There are many reasons why a film flops but Naseerbhai's direction was definitely not at fault.

Also Read: The best of Paresh Rawal

Back

|

Next