/> Eventhough his role in Karan Johar's Kabhi Alvidaa Na Kehna had been edited out before release Riteish has no regrets.

"At least I got a chance to be directed by Karan and to be in a few frames with Rani Mukherjeee...It was a film that one is proud to be part of in any capacity, visible or invisible.

It was never meant to be a full-length role. It wasn't even a cameo, but more like a walk-on part. ...or sit-on part since I had to sit with Rani. I had barely a couple of lines. People believe I had a huge role, but nothing like that."

Even Abhishek Bachchan did a walk-on part on Karan's Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham which was finally cut of the film.

"See, Karan is a very good friend. I was working with a friend, without any questions asked. If he asks me again I'd happily do it. Dharma Productions is a pleasure to be associated with."

So is it possible to maintain friendships in the industry beyond work? "Of course! Karan for example, is a friend beyond work. It doesn't matter if he casts me, though it'd great if he does.

I didn't do the little part on KANK thinking he'd give me a bigger part next time. Sajid Khan is a buddy long before we decided to work together in Hey Baby.

We share a mutual passion for cinema and that's what made us friends. However the lines between work and pleasure should be clearly drawn. If Sajid decided to work with another actor I'd still respect him just as much."

Is Riteish unhappy with comedy? "I did have a comedy Apna Sapna Money Money Money and one more Dhamaal coming up. In fact I'm hearing about a sequel to Kya Kool Hain Hum which is now being scripted.

It isn't as though I've left comedy behind. Very frankly I did what was offered to me. I agree the current comic formula of putting a group of guys together which started with my starrer Masti, has run its course. They'll have to re-invent the comic formula."

Riteish says he has no regrets about doing a vulgar comedy like Kya Kool Hain Hum. No embarrassment about what dad Vilasrao Deshmukh would've thought? "In fact he hasn't seen Kya Kool..... Though he likes films he doesn't have time to even see my films. But yes my mom saw it and I was embarrassed.

But I'm not emabarrassed about doing it. I wouldn't be doing a sequel. I guess I couldn't identify with some of the excessively vulgar scenes. But that's what makes me an actor, don't you think?

Once I heard the script and accepted the film I've no right to turn coy. I guess Kool falls into the genre of Hollywood comedies like Meet The Fockers. If we can accept the naughty undercurrents in a Robert de Niro flick why are we so squeamish about it here?"

Riteish's next film on the floors is his buddy Sajid Khan's Hey Baby which the dependable actor describes as primarily a family entertainment.

"It has laughter emotions, love....it'll make you cry and laugh. It's about three boys, one baby and Vidya Balan...and that's all I can say about the film right now....Again in Anubhav Sinha's Cash I don't have anything even remotely comic to do. In fact I've a surprise role in that."

Riteish is getting himself into physical shape for Sinha's Cash. "It requires a lot of spectacular stunts and sporty actitivities and I'm preparing for the role...As an actor I think I'm getting more than my fair share of work. I'm doing whatever I can. I think I'm getting what I deserve."

A self-made actor who never used his family name to get a foot into the entertainment industry, Riteish doesn't look anxiously over his shoulder at what his colleagues are doing.

"After three years I'm glad I got where I am without a push from any quarters. If others are doing better then they are better than me."

Ask him about the queer rumours on his sexuality and Riteish is nonchalant. "It used to upset me. But I've stopped reacting. I think journalists should know where to draw the line."

When told that the rumours could have their roots in Riteish's presence in so many boys-having-fun comedies he reacts, "I think those who write these films should be questioned, not people who act in them.

If I was offered films like Masti, Kya Kool Hain Hum and Bluff Master which were basically boys' films I see no reason why they should be used to trigger off speculation on the actor's personal life."

Riteish also has a business in architecture alongside his film career. "But no one in the industry has asked me to design a house for them so far. They've better architects to do the needful.

Come to think of it I haven't had a chance to improve my skills as an architect in three years. Hopefully I've become a decent actor in the time being. I'm taking small steps...or 'Baby' steps as my buddy Sajid Khan would say."

Riteish is upbeat. "More money is being spent, so better films are being made. I'm doing the three-hero films where every actor has an equal role.

That's what the economic dynamics of the industry demands. I don't want to do solo-hero film. No point in jumping into a situation that I may not be able to uphold."