Paresh learns by watching Naseeruddin

It's difficult to please someone like Paresh Rawal. The actor has worked with some of the biggest names in the business and continues to call the shots even today. Incidentally, the versatile actor has been labelled a comedian thanks to the number of comedies he has acted in since the past few years. Doesn't he get tired of comedy? "I get put off by comic roles that don't make sense. Where the director has no control over the script. He ruins the subject due to his inability," Paresh admits frankly.

The actor has enacted three different roles in Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye! and I have to admit, Paresh's (and Abhay's too) performance bowled me over completely. "Dibakar (Banerjee, the director) deserves the credit. Usme dum hain," Paresh says with utmost modesty.

Next on the cards is Maharathi, a play Paresh had produced and directed in the 1980s. Why didn't he direct its cinematic version? "Believe me when I say this, I have lost objectivity. The play was of 3 hours' duration, while the film has a running time of less than 2 hours. I didn't know what should be retained in the film. Plus, I didn't want to experiment with the medium (cinema). I am a novice," Paresh states.

So how did he decide on Shivam Nair? "Naseerbhai (Naseeruddin Shah) suggested his name. I'd also seen Ahista Ahista and although it didn't work at the box-office, I realized that Shivam knew the job well. Besides, he's an excellent person, so that helps," Paresh says.

So how has the experience been? "Wonderful! Watching stalwarts like Naseerbhai and Om-ji perform is the ultimate high for an actor. I've learnt so much from them," he smiles.