Akshay Kumar, who teamed up with Salman Khan for the first time in Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, enjoyed working with him. Before he started working with Salman, Akshay was warned against him. In this interview Akshay talks about his film, life and his co-star.

Q: Why's Mujhse Shaadi Karogi looking more exciting than your other recent releases?
A: That's a terrible question! You're making my other films look bad. I'm equally proud of all my films. And if Khakee or Aan didn't work that well it doesn't mean they were bad films.

There could be various reasons for failure, like too many films on the same theme, or wrong timing. In Mujhse Shaadi Karogi everything seems perfect, specially the chemistry between Salman and me. We're together for the first time and audiences seem to find our combination interesting. I certainly enjoyed shooting with Salman. Let's hope the audience feels the same way.

Q: Was Salman difficult to work with?
A: Not at all! In fact, after being warned about how difficult he was, I was on my guard. Let's not forget, Salman has worked repeatedly with producer Sajid Nadiadwala and director David Dhawan. So I could've been the odd one out. But Salman and I got along like a house on fire from day one.

I had a great time working with him. In the script, we had our own individual space and purpose. He never interfered with my scenes or dialogues, or tried to muscle into my character. I never realised when the shooting started and when it ended.

Q: Did you enjoy doing another comedy?
A: Oh yes! I love a joke, especially when it's on me. Even my most critically acclaimed performance in Khakee was a comic role. I love making people laugh all the time. Whether it's Awara Paagal Deewana or Hera Pheri, I've always enjoyed doing comedies.

One of my favourite films is Mr and Mrs Khiladi and that was also directed by David. I came to Mujhse Shaadi Karogi with a very positive attitude. If I didn't come with an open mind I wouldn't be able to perform properly. I've never believed in being a part of any one group or camp. People wonder how I could be so comfortable in a set-up where the director (David Dhawan) and my co-star (Salman) were such close friends.

Very honestly, not for a second did I feel I was the outsider. I was very happy with my role.

Q: How would you describe your role in Mujhse Shaadi Karogi?
A: If you believe in astrology then I play Shani (Saturn). I create all kinds of problems in Salman's life. Come to think of it, we're like Tom and Jerry in the film. I harass him all the time. We may argue throughout the film, but we're so comfortable as co-actors. If Mujhse Shaadi Karogi clicks I'd have another male co-star to work with in other films. I made such a hit jodi with Suniel (Shetty) and Saif. Likewise, there's something special about Salman and me.

Q: And what's all the gossip about Priyanka Chopra?
A: We've made a successful pair in Andaaz. So we signed some more films together. That's all. I've a beautiful wife and a lovely son. I don't want to even think about anything except my work. Priyanka is a very hard working co-star. In Mujhse Shaadi Karogi she's done a wonderful job. We're also doing Vipul Shah's Waqt, Abbas-Mustan's Aetraaz and Suneel Darshan's Barsaat.

In fact, she plays very contrasting roles in Mujhse Shaadi Karogi and Aetraaz.

Q: In what way?
A: Aetraaz is based on the life of a basketball player Cobi Brian. He was sued for sexual harassment. This film is going to create a new kind of mainstream genre. Earlier, I had done a film on another bold theme, wife-swapping, with the same directors Abbas-Mustan. I even won my first award for my role.

Priyanka and I will shock audiences in Aetraaz. For now, we're very comfortable in a nice wholesome family film like Mujhse Shaadi Karogi. I don't know how to describe the film except as paisa vasool.