Playing Circuit outside 'Munnabhai' will make it lose sanctity: Arshad

Feb 24, 2013 IANS

Mumbai, Feb 24 (IANS) Actor Arshad Warsi, who is popular for playing Circuit in "Munnabhai" film series, says that he never played that character outside the franchise as he didn't want to disrespect it.

The actor added that he got many offers to play Circuit in advertisements but he never took anything up.

"I never played that character again. Playing it again and again will make it lose it's sanctity... (if) I will play it (outside) once I know for sure that 'Munnabhai' will never be made again. I was asked in many ads to play it, but I refused," he said in an interview.

The actor, who has been part of the industry for over a decade, feels the only actor who is doing author-backed roles in films is Salman Khan, and others are just playing characters on screen.

"The only person who is doing author-backed roles is Salman because you are writing a script around how he is, what is he like, what he says, 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," he said.

Arshad has managed to create a good balance between commercial and parallel cinema with films like "Munnabhai", "Ishqiya", "Hulchul" and "Sehar". However, he admits he never consciously tried to bring about a balance.

"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 newcomers," said the actor, who will soon be seen in the new film "Jolly LLB".

Arshad feels humour is a safe bet today and generally works with the masses.

"If you really look at me, eight out of ten films I have done is comedy. Humour is the safest bet. Not only me, Akshay (Kumar), Salman, everyone is doing comedy. You can't help it. The producer wants his money back and comedy is something which people go and see," he said.

Arshad says he really likes Akshay Kumar's style of comedy.

"Ask me who I think is really good at comedy, it is Akshay Kumar. He has his own niche and makes me laugh. It is fun, Akshay is fabulous," he said

The actor also plans to don the director's hat in future.

"I would love to direct a film, but I don't have the time at the moment... Maybe a little later," he said.