Be it Deepika Padukone's unique role in "Piku" or Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's power-packed avatar in "Jazbaa", actor Irrfan Khan is happy that Indian actresses are increasingly choosing performance-oriented characters over formulaic Bollywood entertainers.

Asked if actresses today prefer doing offbeat and character roles, Irrfan told IANS: "Yes, lots of actresses today want to work more in offbeat cinema. Deepika did it in 'Piku'. Most actresses would say 'This film does not have dancing or singing, then why should I do it?' But see, Deepika is a top star and she did it beautifully."

"Actresses want to do performances...like Priyanka (Chopra), who is doing an international TV show, where she only needs to act. Actresses are getting ambitious about doing great performances, which is a good sign," added the "Piku" actor, who was in Delhi to promote "Jazbaa" along with Aishwarya.

Irrfan, who was last seen playing a police officer in "Talvar", will be seen essaying the role of a suspended inspector in "Jazbaa", directed by Sanjay Gupta.


He says his new film is "an edge of the seat thriller".

"In 'Jazbaa' I wasn't looking for a challenge, I was looking for entertainment...I usually do films which urge people to think about and see something new. This film has a unique concept. Also, 'Jazbaa' is a 'paisa vasool' film. It is an edge of the seat thriller," Irrfan said.

"Jazbaa", which also stars veteran actress Shabana Azmi, Jackie Shroff among others is hitting the screens on Friday.