Sharman walks out of <i>Dhamaal</i>

By: Upala KBR, Mid-Day

Thursday, May 18, 2006

Barely 20 days before shooting was due to start, Sharman Joshi has walked out of Indra Kumar and Ashok Thakeria's Dhamaal, starring Sanjay Dutt and Arshad Warsi.

Sharman says he doesn't want to do out-an-out comedy films any more, but the real reason appears to be something else.

People close to the producers insist it's because Indra Kumar and Ashok Thakeria's last release, Pyare Mohan, wasn't successful at the BO.

Breaking stereotypes

Sharman dismisses the rumours. "The main reason why I didn't do Dhamaal was because after Shaadi No 1 and Golmal, I want to shift from the comedy genre; romantic or thriller comedies are fine.

Also, I didn't like the character I was asked to play in Dhamaal. I am trying to do something away from the genre of comedy. As an actor, I want something more exciting. It would be nice to discover other aspects of my personality, too."

Did he walk out because Kumar and Thakeria's last release didn't do well at the box office? "That's not true at all. I am just a newcomer, and Indra Kumar is a renowned personality and a great filmmaker. It would an honour to work with them, so there is no calculation or scheming here.

For me, beyond the script and character I am asked to play, nothing is more important. My role doesn't have to be a central character; for me, the driving force is the script, the director and then my role."

Sharman has finished shooting for Rohit Shetty's Golmmal. "I play a serious student, who is trying to become a cancer specialist. I am a nice guy, who gets corrupted by his three friends - Ajay, Tusshar and Arshad."

Baby's days out

The actor is just come back from a Goa holiday, with wife Prerna and seven-month-old daughter, Khyana. "It was great fun.

Earlier, I would miss Khyana a lot on outdoor shoots; this was her first holiday outside Mumbai. Goa is our favourite holiday spot, and Khyana too had a blast there.

Today, I can understand when other dads say that just looking at your baby's face makes everything worthwhile. I can see it happening to me too. Khyana completely rules my life today," says the doting papa.