Why Sharman lost 'Dhamaal' and 'Golmaal' sequel

Mumbai, Oct 12 (IANS) Rumours are rife that Sharman Joshi lost "Dhamaal" as well as "Golmaal Returns" -- which now has Shreyas Talpade -- because of his high fee.

Sharman, however, denies asking for Rs.15 million.

"I wish I had the guts to ask for that kind of money. And I wish somebody would actually offer me that much. What I charge is nowhere near that amount. So I don't know who's spreading these rumours and for what purpose," Sharman told IANS.

"I didn't do 'Dhamaal' because I didn't like the role. As for 'Golmaal Returns' I'd have loved to do it. But my dates were clashing with another project. If money was an issue, how am I doing another film to be directed by Neeraj Vora for the same banner (Ashtvinayak)?"

The actor, who has accepted some non-comic roles, says he is not making a conscious effort to move away from the all-boys' comedy mould.

"The industry conveniently forgot that I started my career with a serious role as Shabana Azmi's son in Vinay Shukla's 'Godmother'. They latched on to my comic roles in N. Chandra's 'Style' and 'Excuse Me'. Not a problem because I enjoy comedy.

"My new release 'Dhol' had me working with Priyadarshan for the first time. I've learnt a lot about comic timing from him. My co-stars in 'Dhol' were friends. So there was no attempt at oneupmanship. I can't work in a tense competitive atmosphere. Of course, Tusshar Kapoor, Kunal Khemu, Rajpal Yadav and I were competitive in 'Dhol' when the camera was on. But we were happy in our individual space."

Talking about the serious roles he is doing, Sharman said: "In Anurag Basu's 'Life In A Metro', I was seriously appreciated. Then in 'Raqeeb', my efforts at a non-comic role went to waste.

"Now in two of my films, Farouq Kabeer's 'Allah Ke Bande' and Sourabh Narang's 'K11' (the title of this thriller refers to the seat number in a multiplex), I don't have a chuckle to waste."

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