You’re smashing in Munnabhai MBBS. What was the tonic?It was the same in my debut Tere Mere Sapne where people raved about my performance. I know my limitations and can only take a role that far. But if you give me the liberty to interpret the role in my way then I can do a much better job of it. Raju (director Rajkumar Hirani) did just that and even agreed with my suggestions about my character, Circuit. What suggestions?Their initial idea about Circuit was not very appealing to me. They wanted him to just stand behind Sanjay Dutt, hardly speak and simply get the job done. I felt we could add more spice. You’ve always worked with first-time directors.For the simple reason that till date, no established director has offered me a role. I would love to work with the big names but they don’t want to work with me. Have you gone up to any biggie and asked for work?I did that only once with Ramgopal Varma. I love his films and also the fact that he doesn’t bank on stars. I called him up but got a cold shoulder and have never garnered the courage to call up anyone else. Your comic timing is being applauded.Yeah, everyone says so but still no one gives me a film, yaar. I think my PR is very bad. I don’t go to film parties. If I earn enough, my wife and I go on a holiday. Are you scared you’ll be typecast as a comic sidekick?I’m confident that I won’t fall into any image trap. Your next film?After Munnabhai MBBS I’m getting offers, but I have only selected one film, Kabul Express, which is also being directed by a debutant, Kabir Khan. I’m a journalist who goes to Afghanistan to interview a Taliban guy and ends up getting kidnapped. People ask me if I am scared of going to Afghanistan and I tell them I am more scared in Bollywood. Your wife, Maria Goretti, recently said that Arshad Warsi is the most paisa vasool thing in Mumbai.Well, she’s my wife. If she won’t say it, who will? It sounds really cool but I tell you, Maria is just repeating what a lot of other people have told her. But paisa vasool sounds good, hah. You want to direct a film soon, don’t you?I want to direct a film and have also written a script. It’s a simple romantic comedy about a regular guy. Something like Notting Hill. But I don’t think I’ll act in it because I will need good actors to sell it. Nobody takes me in their films, do you think someone will pay me to make a film that stars me? No way!
