"This is the season for comedies"- Arshad Warsi

Having played second fiddle to Munna Bhai so long, Arshad Warsi has truly become a magician and an entertainer as far as comedy films are concerned. Not only are his fans thrilled over his talent, but even his directors are overwhelmed over Arshad Warsi's sense of timing and humor. In Rohit Shetty's new film 'Sunday ', Arshad had done the role of a cunning cab driver called Ballu. If you recall, Arshad appeared in the same profession and with the same name in his first film 'Tere Mere Sapne'. We recently caught up with the actor who talked at length about himself, 'Sunday ' and his career. Here are the excerpts.

Q: Tell us something about your role in the new film 'Sunday '.
A: In this film, I am in the role of a cab driver called Ballu who is a nice person and lives his own life merrily. I wouldn't call the character negative, but he is surely cunning. All that he wants is to live his life happily.

Q: What preparations did you undertake for the role?
A: This is not a role for which an actor needs to work very hard. For this role I have had to speak bits of Punjabi and Hariyanvi. Now, I neither know how to speak Hariyanvi nor Punjabi, but I tried my best to bring the character to life.

Q: The profession as well as the name of your character in this film is the same as that in your first film 'Tere Mere Sapne'. What is your comment on this?
A: Yes, I agree. (Laughs) May be I have done some good work in that film so the name and the profession will give me some good returns in this movie. Maybe, the audiences' expectations too from me are more this time.

Q: What is the competition with your co-actors?
A: I am never harassed or threatened by my co-actors. I never compete with my co-actors because they work with me only to make the film better. I only compete with those actors whose films release with mine. I have a lot of respect for my co-actors.

Q: Then why did your differences with John Abraham and Bipasha Basu hit the headlines during the making of 'Goal'?
A: Look, I would be happy if you describe it as creative disagreement rather than a dispute. I have never had any problem either with John or Bipasha, but there are situations when you happen to be projected as a villain. And at the same time, some comments and reports also worsen the situation. There are many others who try to spread such rumors with a view to achieve their own ends. It is also possible that such reports give publicity to the film.

Q: How did you feel when all the newspapers and news channels were covering the tiff between you and John to the hilt?
A: To tell you the truth, I never read newspapers and so never come to know who is saying what against whom and it also never bothers me. Instead of giving undue importance to unnecessary things, I give more value to my family and films. They are more important to me. Most of my time is spent on my work and whatever little time I get for myself I devote it to my family. I don't have any time for any nonsense.

Q: How do you look at your success?
A: Currently, I know that I have to travel a lot to build my career, so I concentrate more on my work, my films and my roles. I am never afraid of work. It doesn't matter whether you want to make me Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan or an idiot. All that matters is that my role and my performance in the films should be good.

Q: What is the reason that you are being seen more and more in comedy films?
A: The reason behind this is that comedy films have a good market today. And it is for this that not only big banners, but also the big stars are being associated with comedy films now. There was a time when actions films ruled the roost and today you may call it the right time for comedy films.

Q: Which kind of roles would you prefer personally?
A: I love comedy a lot, although I have portrayed the role of a serious police officer in 'Sahar'. Whenever I am doing a role, I first try and comprehend the character and do what is being asked from me. It is not that if I am doing a comedy role I just come in front of the camera and give the shot and go into hibernation for hours to think about my character in serious films. However, I have seen many actors do this.

Q: So would you like to do serious films again?
A: Look, I am a professional actor and will perform any role that is assigned to me. Frankly speaking it is easier to do serious roles than comedy. When I return home after shooting for comedy films I am more exhausted than ever.

Q: Is it true that you are acting in Meera Nair's 'Shantaram'?
A: Yes, I am. However, since there is no progress on this front, I am unable to tell you anything in this regard. When we meet next time, I hope that I will be able to furnish you with new information on this and other topics too.

Q: Tell us something about your forthcoming films?
A: My forthcoming films include 'Krazzy 4', 'Shourtcut', 'Golmaal Returns' and Teen Patti'. In my opinion 'Teen Patti' is a serious blockbuster because Amitabh Bachchanji is also in this film and I consider him the best actor in Bollywood today. As an actor he ranks from number one to ten and the rest come after that. There are a number of new actors in this film that is being directed by Leena Yadav. In 'Krazzy 4' I have Irfaan Khan, Aftab Shivdasani and Rajpal Yadav with me. In addition, I will be doing a hardcore action film directed by Rajeevji.

Q: 'Unusual Love Story' is also a film that you are doing …
A: Yes. In fact, this is the first film being made by my production company. The story of this film is unique as well as beautiful and hence I would like that all famous actors work in this film. Some one else will direct this romantic comedy film.