He has played a gamut of roles, the villain in Dacait, the comedian in Hera Pheri and the dadaji in Hero No 1. But after being appreciated in several super-hit films like Aankhen, Aawara Pagal Deewana, Hungama and Hulchul, in which he has played the comedian with elan, the versatile actor seems to have found his calling in comedy. With the forthcoming UTV film, Chup Chup Ke, another Priyadarshan laugh riot ready for release on June 9, we met the much-in-demand actor, Paresh Rawal, for a tete-a-tete...

Today you are best known as a comedian. How comfortable are you with the label?

Frankly, I consider myself an actor, and don't like being branded as Paresh Rawal the comedian or Paresh Rawal the villain. If I am doing so many light roles, it is only because they are all interesting. And as an actor I am comfortable as long as the role is interesting... whether it is comic, villainous or romantic!

And how interesting is your part in Chup Chup Ke?

Well, I play a fisherman who together with another fisherman (played by Rajpal Yadav) tries and helps this boy (played by Shahid Kapur) who is always getting into trouble. In the process of sorting things out for him, there is a lot of confusion and madness. What I like is that our roles, as fishermen are not caricatures, they are realistic and believable!

You have worked with the noted Priyadarshan in several films before your next release, Chup Chup Ke. What is his most outstanding quality as a director?

Priyadarshan uses his camera without his actors knowing it, and that is his most outstanding quality! Also there is clarity in his mind about what he wants from his artistes which makes our work so much easier...