Shreyas Talpade: Why wait for serious roles when I do comedy well?

Shreyas Talpade

What about ALTBalaji's show, Baby Come Naa, appealed to you?
I play a street-smart guy who gets lucky with two girls. He will do anything to keep them happy - from being their spot boy, cook and even their boyfriend. It is one of the naughtiest characters I have played. This is out of my comfort zone. The comedy has terrific writing and is helmed by one of the finest directors in the industry, Farhad Samji.

You've been stereotyped as a comic actor in Bollywood. Would it have made sense to break the image for your web debut?
While I would love to do serious roles, comedy comes naturally to me. People love watching me in comic roles, and as an entertainer, it's my duty to give them what they want. However, I am working on some interesting scripts from other genres as well. Moreover, it would be foolish on my part to wait for a serious role to come my way, and leave a show that is entertaining and appeals to the masses. And let's not forget, comedy is serious business.

Chunkey Pandey and you have worked together previously. How was the reunion?
I have grown up watching his films. While it is always fun to work with him - whether it is a film or an awards night or a web series - what I like about him is his childlike innocence. Before a shot, he will ask you, 'Yeh main kaise karun?'; 'Yeh punch yahan pe kaise lagega?' He is like a student who is ever-willing to learn. He has been a star, but when we work together, he is a friend.

Between Kiku Sharda, Chunkey Pandey and you - who is the funniest?
Kiku, his comic timing is superb. I have a lot to learn from him.

Filmmakers fear that with the popularity of video-on-demand services, people will stop going to theatres.
The fear is unfounded. Despite Netflix being popular in the West, especially in the United States, people are still thronging cinemas. Cinemas have survived the advent of TV, VCR, and DVDs. Nothing can replace a film experience in theatres. Also, it's great that actors are exploring every medium. Why stick to one medium when creativity can't be bound?

You debuted as a director with Poster Boyz last year. Any plans of taking that further?
Being behind the camera excites me as much as being in front of it. I am planning to helm more projects, but the plan is at a nascent stage.

Also Read: Celina Jaitley lends Shreyas Talpade a helping hand

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