Rohit Shetty's record with comedies is more or less spotless. He gives Asha Mahadevan a peek at his six fav laugh flicks

Ask Rohit Shetty to list his favourite laugh riots and he sighs. Choosing six is a tough task -- the man simply loves comedies. No wonder then that the director of the Golmaal series has had such huge success with the genre. As he awaits the release of his next film this Diwali, he mulls over the question and finally lists his picks.

What: Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron
When: 1983
By Who: Kundan Shah
Why: This film is my all-time favourite. It's the funniest Hindi movie I've ever seen. A short, slickly directed film that has a cast of excellent actors. I love the comic timing and the awkward escapades. It is a landmark movie for B-town. In fact, it is probably the only movie of its genre that combines satire with black humour.

What: The Hangover
When: 2009
By Who: Todd Phillips
Why: The humour is a little lewd but not mean-spirited. It has everything going for it: a superb concept guaranteed to draw in its target audience, a witty, inventive script with spot-on casting and abundant opportunities for mandatory repulse comedy. It has a classic set-up, a perfect mix of delights and surprises, and despite the little vulgar aftertaste, it's worth it.

What: Padosan
When: 1968
By Who: Jyoti Swaroop
Why: I love each and every scene and sequence of this film. The characters are brilliantly portrayed. Mehmood was not only a comedian's comedian, but a great actor too. He left an indelible mark with this classic. The script is well-written and places the situations in sync with each other. Kishore Kumar is, perhaps, the best in this film. I am immensely fond of this comic caper.

What: Chupke Chupke
When: 1975
By Who: Hrishikesh Mukherjee
Why: Light, delightful romantic characters initiated by an unconventionally sensitive, urban, academic personality makes this family drama a brilliant masterpiece. The film is reminiscent of the genre, which rarely used close and long shots or rapid cuts.

In spite of a theatrical design, the screenplay provided the actors and the actresses great scope for performance. I simply love Hrishikesh Mukherjee's style of story telling. All his stories have a simple storyline about human sentiments, a powerful cast and love for Indian culture.

What: Hera Pheri
When: 2000
By Who: Priyadarshan
Why: It's a film that makes me smile and makes me feel optimistic. It's a beautifully made film that still rules our hearts and can be watched repeatedly. Such films are made only once in a while. It has smart dialogues and is an ideal example of slapstick comedy. Hera Pheri manages to keep its audience engaged even today. It is definitely a cult film.

What: It's a Mad Mad Mad Mad World
When: 1963
By Who: Stanley Kramer
Why: This film is the heart of all slapstick madness. It's about greed, the most basic element found in every human being. I feel Greed has never been presented with such rip-roaring humour as it has been in this film. The story is sublimely simple but peopled with a memorable array of funny characters. This is certainly one film you can't miss.