I wanted to be an original in a remake:AK

You are at an enviable position right now with a hat-trick of hits. How are you making your choices now?

Thank you. I have been trying to keep a count with my fingers crossed. Well good scripts are what matter the most. I am looking out for strong scripts to which I can add something. They should challenge me as an actor.

The Priyan - Akshay superhit combo is at work again in Bhool Bhulaiyaa. What's in store for the fans?

Wait and watch. We will make you laugh, cry and scare you at the same time.

What's the most exciting thing about your role in Bhool Bhulaiyaa?

It is the cause and the character. I play a doctor who is out to solve a mystery against all the rituals and beliefs that this country believes in. It was great juggling on a thin line between being eccentric and being real.

Have you seen the Malayalam original, Manichitharazu?

I wanted to be an original in a remake. So I didn't see the original film. I did not want to get influenced by what I would see. It was best to create a character the way one sees it as a performer and I had complete faith in Priyan, with the kind of vision he has.

The Akshay- Priyan and Paresh Rawal combo has always spelled magic. What is the mystery behind it?

Priyan and Paresh, surprisingly both the names start with the alphabet P. Also both are so good at their craft and comfortable with each other. Their thoughts make our team so successful. It has always been a pleasure learning at every instance from the two. I learnt to re-invent myself through them.

Have you ever had a spooky experience in real like in the film?

I don't believe in spooks.

How much involved are you with the music of your films?

I enjoy it.....dance to it and at time perform it. I give my inputs when asked for otherwise the director and the composer do their job and..I react.

What do you enjoy the most doing? Action or Comedy?

Acting in any film that is made to entertain and that which can create a 'connect' with the audience.

You are learning a new form of Martial arts in spite of being a Martial arts expert?

Every day is a learning experience and I intend doing just that.

Is your next, Made In China an effort to carve a new niche for yourself in the Asian countries as Jackie Chan did in India?

We started out making a film that works beyond language barriers and that is what makes it special. Jackie Chan is a HERO and I don't intend to compete with him. I intend making films which leave a mark as me.

You replaced Shah Rukh in Shirish Kunder's Joker. Did that lead to any problem between the King Khan and you?

I am sorry there were no replacements. When Shirish narrated the script to me, I liked it and signed the film. Who it was narrated to earlier or after me is irrelevant. It is the script that moved me.

You have also entered the Chopra banner after a long time. Why this huge gap when stars vie to literally work with the banner?

When I work in a film the banner obviously makes a difference. Both Yash Raj and I had reached a point when we understood that both wanted to do a film together and that's how Tashan happened.....right place right film right time...