I have been inspired by R. K. Laxman?s cartoons

The super success of Phir Hera Pheri has brought back smiles on Paresh Rawal. An exclusive tete-a-tete with Paresh Rawal.

Your role of Baburao has been the talk-of-the-town in Phir Hera Pheri.

I am extremely delighted to see the reaction of the people who have watched me in Phir Hera Pheri. I will first give full credit to producer Firoz Nadiadwala whose confidence in the film inspired me to give the best. But my inner mind was influenced by the R. K. Laxman?s cartoons. I have taken inspiration of Baburao character from such cartoons. That common man look is actually a big identification for the people who are watching me in Phir Hera Pheri.

Why do you feel comedies are having great time at the box-office?

Many makers are opting for comedy fares nowadays with huge budgets. Earlier comedy films were made with a limited budget which could be the reason for not finding universal patronage. But the multiplex audience preferring to spend heavy monies on tickets it is now easy for makers to recover their crores of investments. Comedies can be a big healer as we know laughter is the best medicine. Comedy badee nazaakat walee cheez hai. Directors like Priyadarshan and Neeraj Vora are masters in comedy.

What difference did you find Priyadarshan and Neeraj Vora as you have been handled by both these master brains?

Priyadarshan is very clear in his thoughts and action and it could be a comedy scene or a dramatic scene. He is extremely passionate in whatever he does. He can inspire you like a teacher and he can be a great teacher to make you understand every single nuance of your character. Neeraj Vora is my personal friend since my stage days. I share great comfort level with him and he understands my every move and look ever since I met him two decades back. He is a down-to-earth person and has no ego hassles. He had a big challenge while shooting for Phir Hera Pheri. But he never panicked. On the contrary, he was doing wonders on the set and Firozbhai?s confidence in him was cemented from Day 1. Neeraj?s talent is unimaginable and the success of Phir Hera Pheri has proved it.

Naseeruddin Shah is praising you to the skies after you acted under his direction in Yun Hota To Kya Hota?

Naseer is an extraordinary actor who has now directed me. I am playing the role of an event manager and it is not a comedy one for a change. I am known as Sultan of Garba in Yun Hota To Kya Hota. The film is a love story.

What is your secret behind not doing comedies on stage?

I feel comedians on stage have to resort to more to buffoonery which I never want to do. In films the directors inspire you while there is every chance of improvisation on the sets with more and more takes. Hence films are a better option for me for comedy.

Whom do you consider the best comedian on the Indian screen?

After Kishore Kumar it is now Johny Lever.