Bollywood actor Riteish Deshmukh, who has done a bouquet of comedy films, will essay a serious role in Ram Gopal Varma's media-based film "Rann".

The actor, who will share screen space with Amitabh Bachchan in the movie, will be seen in the role of a journalist.

"I play the role of a guy named Purab Shastri. He is a beginner and believes in real journalism and that's the reason why he joins a news channel named India 24X7, " he said.

On being questioned about his decision to take up the role, Riteish quipped: "When I was doing comedy, people used to ask me why I am doing just comedies and now when I have got a chance to do something different, they are again asking me why I am doing a serious role."

"The thing is that I got a chance to do such a good role and that's why when Ramu (Ram Gopal Varma) asked me, I readily agreed. However, there are some comedies to come in the future, " he added.