‘I never thought I would do a sex comedy’

'I never thought I would do a sex comedy'

Actor Riteish Deshmukh on his career flying high, his dad's dream of acting and how he has come to believe in 'never say never'

AFSANA AHMED Times News Network

There's a lot of buzz about you suddenly. Any reason?
That's because I am lucky to be part of films that are box office hits of late. For somebody who didn't aspire (he is a trained architect) to be an actor, this is quite a bonus. I am getting more than what I deserve and I'm enjoying it. I think that's why I am talked about.
What about you and your first co-star of Tujhe Meri Kasam Genelia D'Souza? Are you two seeing each other?
There is nothing like that. She is a dear friend of mine. I am single and happy.
You haven't been romantically linked with with any other female actor but her. How so?
Probably because I am not exciting enough to be linked with anyone. I am glad to be out of all this. Moreover, I don't believe that you should make news if you are linked with someone. Having said this, I also believe that if at all I am romantically involved I don't believe in discussing it in public. Nobody should know except the people concerned.
You entered the film industry when your father Vilasrao Deshmukh was the CM. Was there any difference in people's attitudes towards you after the changes in your father's political career?
No dramatic changes. In the first place, my co-actors and filmakers never treated me differently. So nothing changed when dad was no more CM and now again when he is. I personally haven't felt any difference in people's attitudes. But yes, I learnt to respect people's time, learnt that bad days come to an end, learnt to work hard and sincerely. I also learnt to shed my inhibitions and become more confident. I never thought that I would do a sex comedy with double meanings. That's not me. But I did. So never say never in life.
Are you living your dad's dream of becoming an actor?
Correction here. He never wanted to be an actor. Yes, he loves films and like any audience member, he may too have imagined being larger than life, just like the actors. But he has never worked towards becoming one. It must have been a fleeting thought.
Does your family think you are a star, and treat you like one?
My mom thinks I am the best actor. Dad comes out with a pleasing smile, after watching my movie. But my brother is my biggest critic. Nobody treats me like a star though, except my starry eyed young cousins, who think I am a star.
Any pressure for marriage considering you are from a conservative Maharashtrian family?
I haven't thought of marriage, but I do believe in it. I believe that love is something that holds and lasts. My family will have no qualms about my choice of girl as long as I am happy. I would like to know the person before I marry. Unfortunately, today the bonds that bind marriage are weakening. But I believe that marriage should be given a chance for the sake of kids.
Anybody specific you want to work with?
By and large I am happy, but yes, I would someday like to share at least one frame with Shah Rukh Khan.