I am a greedy actor, says Murli Sharma

Mumbai, Nov 27 (IANS) After earning plaudits for his performances in films like "Maqbool" and "Main Hoon Na", actor Murli Sharma is looking forward to Prakash Jha's "Apaharan" to showcase his talent.

Murli Sharma believes the slow and steady wins the race. He says: "I'm always running late... But at least I am running. And I am racing against myself."

"Apaharan" will hit theatres Dec 2, to be followed by Harry Baweja's Sunny Deol-Amisha Patel starrer "Teesri Aankh", reports Bollywood Trade.

It seems like this year is going to end on a high note for this talented actor.

Excerpts from an interview with Murli Sharma:

So after a few disappointing roles in "Mangal Pandey - The Rising", "Chocolate" and "Kal", coming up next is "Apaharan".

Yes, and I am very happy the way my character has taken shape. Something I am really looking forward to and it is useless giving explanations about my characters and roles in the few films you mentioned because it is gone by and I believe in the present... in the power of now.

Your character in "Apaharan"...

Coincidentally, in the film also my character is called Murli, who is a middleman in kidnappings deals.

How was the experience of working with Jha?

Very nice. Very pleasant. Besides being a great storyteller and filmmaker, I think he is a wonderful human being. Almost the entire credit for my performance in "Apaharan" must go to him. All I did was do my lines and follow his instructions, because he was so focused and clear. I am already looking forward to work with him again.

And how was Ajay Devgan to work with?

Very humble... down to earth... co-operative. One of those stars whose aura doesn't disturb you. I have some great scenes with him.

What is it about chewing over a hundred "paans" during the making of the film?

Well, Murli's character is a "paan chewing Bihari" who is very colourful, dresses very meretriciously. So, in every scene and every shot I was required to have a "paan" in my mouth. Through the entire shoot I must have had at least hundred "paans", and also when I was dubbing, but I am glad as it's looking nice.

How was Nana Patekar to work with?

Unfortunately I didn't have any scene with him in the whole film. I hope I get a chance to work with him soon but its great to be a part of the same film.

What next after "Apaharan"?

There is "Teesri Aankh" with Sunny Deol and Amisha Patel. It's a Harry Baweja film where Mukesh Tiwari and I play the negative leads. And there is also Sohail Khan Productions' "Fight Club" where I do a guest appearance.

Currently what are you shooting for?

There is a Shekhar Jha film called "Ek Dastak", which is the story of a few income tax officers. And I am also shooting for a Cinevistaas Sahara show called "Kohinoor".

Unlike many others, you intend to continue with television.

As an actor I am looking for orgasmic work, which will give me immense joy and satisfaction, be it films or television. But, yes, films are my priority and as and when I have time and a good role on television I will take it up.

Happy with where you are in life...

No, I am not. I want more. I am a greedy actor. I am not talking about materialistic things, but work. I am not in a hurry. I won't do stuff just because it will keep me busy or give me money. And it's so difficult to say no.

I don't want to repeat my mistakes. And I read somewhere that "The life you live... is the choices you make". So I am being careful while choosing.

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Apaharan