/> If Arshad Warsi had his way he'd have done what he loves the best in his new Rakesh Roshan comedy Krazzy 4.

"I told my director Raja (Jaideep) Sen I wanted to dance. But I was turned down. I don't know why. The reason given was because it would go against my character.

Besides, Shah Rukh and Hrithik (who've done item songs for Krazzy 4) can add to the film's commercial viability. I can't. Even today I've a tough time getting leading ladies to agree to pair with me," admits Arshad candidly.

Recently Lara Dutta opted out of Anil Kapoor's Short Cut when she heard Arshad was her co-star. And now Arshad is looking for a suitable leading lady for his first production tentatively entitled I Believe In Angels.

The project has been in the news for lately being denuded of a director.

Krazzy 4 director Jaideep Sen has opted out.

"But no sweat," says the ever-optimistic Arshad. "This often happens when an actor or a director comes into overnight recognition. After news spread that Jaideep had done a good job in Krazzy 4 he was flooded with offers.

He no longer found my project worthy of his attentions. No problem. I immediately approached my friend Kabeer Kaushik who has earlier directed me Saher.

To be frank I always wanted Kabeer.He had the guts and vision to cast me as the positive lead in Saher at a time when I was typcast as a supporting comic actor. But Kabeer was busy with his current assignment Chamko (featuring Bobby Deol).

So I went to Jaideep whose work I really like in Krazzy 4. But now when Kabeer is finishing with Chamko in May he can go right into my film."

In the meanwhile Arshad is fully into pre-production. "I'm getting everything into place so that by the time Kabeer is free in May he just has to come on- board to direct.

No matter what, my film which has lots of F-X and supernatural stuff, will take off on July 15. But please it's not a bhoot-pret him.

I've too much spunk to go into spook. And my wife Maria is the official producer. She would rather see me as dost than ghost."

Arshad's last release Sunday was a bit of a downer at the boxoffice. "But I enjoyed working with Irrfan Khan. Now we're together again in Krazzy 4 and that's been quite an experience."

Their ultimate compliment for Arshad came from the producer' s son who said Arshad didn't seem to be acting at all.

"That's right," Arshad admits softly. "Hrithik did say I was a natural in Krazzy 4. That meant a lot. All of us actors hunger for compliments. And they aren't very easy to come by from colleagues."

About not being allowed to dance in Krazzy 4 Arshad doesn't sound very convinced. Could it because of his fall-out with the director?

"I don't think so. Jaideep and I may not be working together. But we respect one another's work. I didn't get to dance in Krazzy 4. Never mind. I'll dance my heart out in my own production. One advantage of producing your own film is, no one can stop you from doing what you want."

In the meanwhile the next Munnabhai movie is very much on. It brings Arshad Warsi with Sanjay Dutt again.They both head for the US for further adventures.

If only Arshad's career could sail through the green channel.