Akshay is best in comedy: Arshad Warsi

  • IndiaGlitz, [Monday,March 11 2013]

The Bollywood circuit is turning lawyer with his upcoming film 'Jolly LLB' which is a satire on our judiciary system. IndiaGlitz got candid with Arshad Warsi and talked about his journey.

After quite some time your solo film is coming?

I don't think about these things. I don't look at it like that. I never think that I need to do solo films and solo scripts. In between I heard a couple of scripts but didn't take it up. But then Jolly LLB came and I liked it.

How you do you balance between commercial films and other films?

I don't think so hard in life at all. People send me scripts and I listen to everyone. If I am not interested I don't take it up. I am talking about big filmmakers as well and not only new comers. Lots of big films which came and died worked for me.

Do you think the promotion is tougher when it is a solo film?

Yes. Because when you are alone there is no one else, you have to do it yourself. When it’s a multi starrer there are others. When there are so many actors, you have your own scenes. When I am shooting for a solo film, I didn't get a break. For Jolly LLB I didn't even have any days off. I just got two days off when I was not required. But that is no reason for not doing a good film.

You have portrayed many funny characters... do you think it is safe for you?

If you really look at me, eight out of ten films have comedy. Humour is the safest bet. Not only me, Akshay, Salman everyone is doing comedy. You can't help it. The producer wants his money back and comedy people go and see. Drama they might think. But comedy they really see. Even in films like Special Chabbis there is humour.

There are different types of comedies. Which one you enjoy?

I don't like sex comedies or over the top. I like intelligent and smart humour. It is very easy to write sex comedies, its crap. Even over the top banana peel comedy, it's typical. What's difficult to write is an Angoor, Chashme Buddoor. You are not using anything else to make it funny...you have to rely on your intelligence. I prefer to do cleaner films. I was offered all these Kya Kool and all, but I refused...great it works; happy that people made money but I don't want my kid thinking what is my dad doing.

According to you humour is a safe bet?

Actors are the most insecure fragile people and everyone is hungry for a hit. Look at Mr Bachchan, he is so dignified, when you talk to him. See the work he does, his ads and all. Do you think he likes it, I am sure he doesn't but that's what works. That is what people want to see. They want to see you in funny attire doing silly things.

Do you have any regrets in your career?

Yes I do many. Don't want to talk about them. All of us do have regrets. We have all done things. It's just that if I was in a position to make choices, I would never do those things. So now I say no most of the times. This movie has clean comedy, not one double meaning line. It is humorous and you will not be embarrassed to watch it with your parents or anyone. I am happy with doing less work then thinking every day on the set about what I am doing. I'd rather not do that.

Don't you like watching comedy?

When you are an actor you do things because you are required to do that. Ask anyone, they will all have their own things which they want to do. Sometimes you get to do things which you want to do, but it doesn't happen all the time. I am lucky to do Jolly LLB. It's funny, smart and a great film. This doesn't happen too often. I go through so many scripts and then I come across a Jolly LLB.

Any author backed role again you want to do?

I never played a character again. Playing it again and again will make it lose its sanctity. People have to write author backed roles. The only person who is doing author backed roles is Salman. Because you are writing a script around how he is. He is like that, he says what he says; he does what he does and you are writing a film around it. Other than this, all actors are playing a character which is written by someone. And playing Circuit again and again is like abusing it. I will play it once I know for sure that Munnabhai will never be made again. I was asked in many ads to play it, but I refused.

Who you think is good at comedy?

Ask me who I think is really good at comedy, it's Akshay Kumar. He has his own niche; he makes me laugh. You have to be besharam while doing comedy. Salman has his own peculiar style. It is fun. But at the moment, Akshay is fabulous.

What about your production house and the movie?

Not at the moment because I have lots of work. I need to finish all that. Production takes a lot of time and it is a big headache.

You have replaced Aamir in Chambal Safari?

A: No I don't think anyone can replace Aamir. I am sure must have wanted Aamir in the film but I don't it is a big deal. It's a very good script

Status of Dedh ishqiya?

We are starting to shoot for it. It is a very good film. I am opposite Huma. I love Madhuri but I am not paired with her. I think Madhuri and I would have looked odd.

In any near future are we going to see Arshad as director?

I would love to direct a film, but I don't have the time at the moment. Maybe little later. I have too many projects. Sanjay is a friend and a very good actor. But there are so many good actors now.