I don't charge 1 Crore (Paresh Rawal)

Parag Maniar


Phir Hera Pheri has met with tremendous response at the box-office. Did you expect it?

Hera Pheri was a cult film. You may not believe this but once while jogging at Juhu beach a Punjabi recognized me and started chatting with me about the film. I kept on nodding to whatever they had to say. Then they asked me if I would give them an autograph. I was jogging. I did not have any pen nor paper. Neither did they! They insisted that I give them an autograph over Hera Pheri's DVD. "We are staying at Holiday Inn. My son will get it," they said. The next minute I saw this young boy coming to me with the DVD. "Which shop was open so eary morning," I asked him. The family then told me that they carried the DVD of Hera Pheri wherever they went. It was their daily medicinal dose. I could not believe it. Looking at the film's fan following we sort of guessed that the film would have a decent opening. But this kind of response has come as a surprise to me too.

How different have you portrayed the character of Baburao in the sequel?

See the mannerism and the physical gestures had to be the same. What was crucially important to me was to retain Baburao's innocence in the film. I did not want him to come across as somebody overconfident. Then that character would fall flat on its face. And looking at the response I think I have succeeded at that.

And how would you compare Priyadarshan and Neeraj Vora as directors?

Priyadarshan is a master of comedy. The precision with which he handles comic scenes is remarkable. He knows the kind of expression he wants during the scene. Nobody can beat Priyan when it comes to comedy! On the other hand Neeraj was very clear about what he wanted and I was told about it much in advance. So there were no problems while shooting Phir Hera Pheri with him. What I admire about Neeraj was his sense of commitment. When he began working on Phir Hera Pheri he was down with tragedy. He had just lost his wife then. Imagine writing and directing a comedy film under those circumstances. And now since the film has released in theatres, Neeraj lost his father. That's life I guess!

Buzz has it that you charge a crore per film…

What! I am not out of my rockers to charge one crore per film. Who will pay me that kind of money! Money is an important aspect of life after all I am not single. I have my wife and children to look after. But money is not so important that I would be open to doing any nonsense role that came my way. I will never compromise on my role for money. I have turned so many illogical roles even though I was offered good money.

Rumours also have it that you plan to cut down on comedy films

That's true! I need to take a break. By cutting down on comedy films I mean I will not do those films where the comedy just does not make any sense. I can't afford to waste my time over these films.

What about theatre? Do you still find time to pursue it?

I have been doing theatre continuously. In fact today only I rehearsed my lines. The play is remake of One Flew Over To The Cuckoo's Nest.