It is all for publicity: Arshad Warsi

Arshad Warsi says he is done with slapstick gags in the name of comedy. Come Friday and the actor makes life hell for Akshaye Khanna in their new movie Shortkut. Talking about his role, Arshad also clarifies about all the controversies surrounding him.

Your next film Shortkut is again a comedy. Do you think humourous roles bring out the best in you?

I think I am completely at ease with acting, regardless of whether it's comedy, drama or action. And I am not just saying this to sound intelligent. It's something I have discovered over the years about myself. Acting has never troubled me.

How is quality of humour in Shortkut in comparison to your past films?

It's not a stupid comedy full of SMS jokes or gags. The humor is based on characters. I don't like just doing films about four guys coming together to pull of gags. Here the fun lies in how the characters behave and respond to real life situations.

How would you deal with someone like your character in real life?

You can't boss. It's impossible. I am playing guy who has no talent at all. He is a pain and I would not like to deal a guy like me at all. In fact you can call me the villain of the film.

Would you say directors and even audiences for that matter prefer to see you in comedy? Which is why your attempts at serious roles go unnoticed…

See comedy is more enjoyable to watch. Which is why if any actor can do it well, there is a tendency to make him stick to comedy.

So have you made peace with the fact that you will have to stick to comedy to make your mark?

I would never like to settle for that or commit myself to only comedy. It will take time, but varied roles are happening. In the end people only accept good work.

Your co-actors say improvisation is your biggest strength. Do you think some actors misunderstand you for this?

I hope not. I like improvising and it's not only for myself. I remember once Sunil Shetty asked me, "I hope you are going to improvise…not for yourself but for me". Even during Golmaal, early in the morning I would improvise for all the actors. See, my idea of doing a film is not to compete with anyone on screen. If I can improvise to make the film work, I will do it. I will go out of my way to make my colleagues and co-actors look good.