'I'm not a hero'

He lets his acting do all the talking.

Meet Paresh Rawal, the media shy actor known for his villainous as well as comic roles. And as his latest film, Bhool Bhulaiyaa with Hera Pheri co-star Akshay Kumar and director Priyadarshan nears release, Girish Rao caught up with the reclusive actor for more on the film.

It's very difficult to catch you for an interview. We get to meet you only when your film is on the verge of release...

In real life, there is hardly anything to say. Whatever I want to do or say, I get to do it on the silver screen, so in normal life I don't feel the necessity to do or say anything.

Judging by the character you play in Bhool Bhulaiyaa, it appears you belong from UP.

The film deals with a family that encounters a spiritual force. Amidst all of this we have the issue of marriage -- getting girls who have reached that certain age married off, and the problems a family faces in this regard. Keeping one's dignity intact is the biggest challenge. The film deals with such things.   

Have you ever encountered ghosts in real life?

No. But I have met people who are far more dangerous and lethal than ghosts.

Can you be more specific?

No, no, I am not talking about reporters (laughs). There are few people in this film industry who are very dangerous, much more than ghosts.

Is there any written contract between Priyadarshan and you that you will act in all his films?

See, it's not me who chooses him. It's he who chooses me for his films. He has faith in me. He knows that I am talented, professional and affordable too. Plus, I'm someone who gives results. All this has created a comfort zone between the two of us

He keeps throwing challenges at me and every time offers me something new. Malamaal Weekly, Hungama, and Hera Pheri are few examples.

Priyadarshani's last film, Dhol, did not do well. Is it safe to say that he will be back in form once again with Bhool Bhulaiyaa?

Most of his films have done well at the box office.

Films are meant for the masses, for the purpose of entertainment. Though Dhol was not such a big hit, it has done an average business at the box office.

Delivering a hit is the biggest task. Just take Malamaal Weekly for example. It did not have any big stars; only character artists.

I don't consider myself as a hero. I would loved to be called a character actor.

But you are a bigger star than many other heroes.

That is because with heroes there are limitations. A hero cannot can't do certain things which a character artist can. Character artists can do whatever they feel like. Things have changed and this is evident from the films being made these days.

What would you say about film critics?

All I can say is that some are good and some are bad. They do their job but the sad part is that whatever stuff they write does not have any impact on the country. They don't even affect the people for whom such things are being written.

If I am a cricket player and if Sunil Gavaskar were to pass judgment on me, I would take his criticism and praise. But if someone like (businessman) Sunil Mittal or (ghazal singer) Mehndi Hassan were to write something about me, it would be absurd.

Criticism is okay from people who know the finer points of cinema.

You have spent many years in the industry and have seen Akshay almost growing in front of you. Tell us about your observation about him.

Akshay has reached this position by taking risks. He has even put his life in danger on many occasions!

From doing action oriented roles he is suddenly noticed for his comedic timing. I can say with full conviction that Akshay has and will become the favourite for many, many years to come.

He has improved tremendously as an actor. People know the standing that Akshay has at the box office so there cannot be any debate on this.

Just look at his choice of films. Plus, he has done all this without any backing from big banners or directors. Hats off to him!

Most of Priyadarshan's films, which feature you, also have this typical accent. Does Bhool Bhulaiyaa have any of such accents?

It's not necessary. And there was no such accent in Garam Masala, though there is a UP flavour to it but the accent is pretty normal.

In your opinion what are the finer points of this film that will appeal the most?

The storyline of the film is different. It has also been treated differently. And despite being a spooky film the way things have been said in this film is it's high point.

Did Priyadarshan forbid you to see the original Malayalam film?

There was no need to. I don't watch the originals of remakes.