Imagine, now they are putting money on my face: Vinay Pathak

Tinsel town's new funny guy Vinay Pathak speaks to Roshmila Bhattacharya on Bollywood and his next release AajaNachle.

Vinay Pathak quizzed by Roshmila Bhattacharya

Bheja Fry is one of the year's biggest hits and Vinay Pathak the new superstar.
Really? Please encourage the rumour.

Hey, even JohnnyGaddaar used your solo clips for its promotion.
Imagine, now people are putting money on my face. I didn't think it was worth anything (laughs).

The buzz is that you're getting five to 10 offers a day.
Yes, the scripts are now piling up in my office but I must be convinced I can do justice to the role. For me a JohnnyGaddaar worked because Sriram Raghavan's a storyteller with vision and passion.

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The film is his homage to Hindi cinema. I liked that since I'm a Hindi film buff too. From Jugnu and AmarAkbarAntony to Chakra and Golmaal, I've enjoyed them all.

Jugnu? Does that make you a Dharmendra fan?
Dharamji is the ultimate man.. so full of love.

Why did Manorama go under?
At the Osians Film Festival the reaction from the film fraternity and the aam janta were positive. It was a small film, not released with much fanfare.

So you agree a film needs to be well hyped.
The general consensus is that clever marketing contributed to Bheja Fry's success.

Yes, BhejaFry was promoted well but it also had an apt title and a tight script. Also, an innovative style of storytelling. Maybe that worked for…or the idea of a fool's day out.. since there's a simpleton in all of us.

Would you be open to a sequel?
Definitely. It has some special memories. I remember the day the script was narrated to me.. The first day of shooting.. Ranbir (Shorey) coming on the sets.. how we nervously wondered if anyone would come or if we will have to call some of our dosts to fill the cinema hall.

What's the next big release?
Yash Raj Film's Aaja Nachle. I got to know Anil Mehta (the film's director) during Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam. I trust his vision.. Madhuri Dixit is a dream yet so human. And with Konkona (Sen Sharma), Ranvir and Jaideep Sahani (writer) on board, there were no doubts about jumping in.

Did you get to dance with Madhuri Dixit?
I did. Now gotta run.

How does it feel to be a Rs 1 crore star?
Rs 1 crore star? Whoa! Please continue spreading such rumours. I'd like to believe they're true.