Popular actor Varun Badola is familiar with the technical know-how of making television serials and says his ultimate desire is to direct for the small screen.

"I will get into direction anyhow, but there's always a right time for everything," Varun, who worked as an assistant director to acclaimed filmmaker Tigmanshu Dhulia for five years, told.

The actor, who is in the industry for more than a decade, was here to promote his ongoing show "Maan Rahe Tera... Pitaah".

He made his acting debut with Zee TV's 1994 popular series "Banegi Apni Baat", but came into the limelight as an actor with Ekta Kapoor's "Koshish...Ek Aashaa" in 2001.

Ever since, he has come a long way with performances in shows like "Des Mein Niklla Hoga Chand", "Astitva...Ek Prem Kahani" and "Aek Chabhi Hai Padoss Mein", and is counted among the best actors on Indian television.

Now he feels direction is a natural progression for him, but says it is hard to direct for television without channel officials and producers interfering.

"Direction on TV is not easy because somewhere you will be governed by channels and you may not always subscribe to their ideas. But the fact remains that they are the ones who are actually spending money, so they obviously will have their say.

"If I can really work my way around all these issues, I definitely want to make a show. I have something in my mind for over one-and-a-half-years now. I am just waiting for the right time."

Varun is open to making a regular soap, but doesn't want to wield the megaphone for a comedy.

"I won't ever make a comedy show. My style of comedy is unfortunately very black. And I don't think Indians are very comfortable with that still.

"I have worked with Tigmanshu Dhulia, who is a master at dark comedies and we made a lot of STAR bestsellers together. Even then we had restricted audiences. People don't even understand it, so I am sure the project would be a complete failure if I were to attempt it," he said.

Meanwhile, the 36-year-old has ruled out any possibility of turning into a producer. He says his concern for nuances would require him to quit his acting career to open a production company.

"I do want to produce shows. The economics of television have changed completely over the years. I know one thing for sure, if I get into production, I will not be able to act.

"Not because there is so much money involved. But if I come up with a project, I would want to take care of the script, the quality of the show and everything. That's a very difficult thing to do. I will have to give up my acting career," he said.

Currently he is content playing his first negative role in Sony TV's "Maan Rahe Tera...Pitaah".

"I am not playing an outright negative. I am supposed to be the Mr. Good Guy who slowly and steadily is revealed as a negative character. I feel negative roles give you a lot of latitude. You actually could be playing three different shades in a single episode. That actually keeps your mind active and I guess acting without a challenge is one of the most boring things. I make it a point to never do that.".