Get me something original now: Riteish Deshmukh

Actor Riteish Deshmukh says that while it’s great for an actor to do sequels, it’s also important to work in good originals. He has worked in four sequels this last year and now wants to work in good original movies.

Riteish Deshmukh is creating a record of sorts, which he admits he hasn’t consciously worked towards. In the last two years, the actor has become associated with not one, but four sequels.

His films Dhamaal (2007) and Housefull (2010), were followed by Double Dhamaal (2011) and Housefull 2 (2012). The sequel to Kyaa Kool Hai Hum (2005), the much-talked about Kyaa Super Kool Hain Hum, opens later this month, after which the architect-turned-actor will start working on his fourth sequel, Grand Masti (sequel to Masti, 2004).

“I need some originals now!” he laughs. “Even I didn’t realise that I was on my fourth sequel in two years. I’m not upset that I have four sequels on my CV; that just proves that the first movie had worked well with the audience.”

When prodded further, the actor who has just returned from his first trip to Patna, says, “I plan to work with a few fresh scripts now. While it’s great for an actor to do sequels, it’s also important to work in good originals.”

Does it irk him that he isn’t paired with the Masti onscreen (and now real-life) wife Genelia D’Souza, in Grand Masti?

“No,” says Riteish. “It’s fine with us because the script of Grand Masti is such that there is no room for the original leading ladies. She’s looking forward to my shoot.”

What about Housefull 3, that has been announced and will release sometime later this year or early next year?

“I’d love to be part of it because I’ve enjoyed being part of the earlier movies. As of now, there is no script or idea that has been locked for it,” says Riteish.

He adds, “Once the ground work is done, I’m sure we’ll get talking.”