His career was on an upswing through 2004 and it seems the same is likely for Akshay Kumar in 2005 as well.

Insan, his first release of the year, opened to negative reviews, but the one person who emerged unscathed was Akshay. The verdict is unanimous; Akshay carries Insan on his shoulders.

"Please don't say such things, I'm not used to critical praise. My heart may not be able to take it," jokes the star. On a quieter note, he continues, "Earlier, such things were said only about Amitji.

When I hear such things, I feel like rubbing my ears. Till a few years back, I used to say that I couldn't be a bad actor because I wasn't an actor in the first place.

Now, I'm suddenly getting nominated for awards. Never mind if it's in the comic and supporting categories." (Akshay was nominated for best supporting actor for Mujhse Shaadi Karogi).

Was he really a supporting actor in the film? "Search me. I was signed for the lead. And I thought I played one too," he chuckles.

"I was the funny man in Khakee and Mujhse Shaadi Karogi. In Insan, for the first time, I play a character who delivers a political message. I think it's very important to do what you believe in.

Whether it's a time-pass entertainer like Mujhse Shaadi Karogi or films with a socio-political message like Ab Tumhare Hawale Watan Saathiyon and Insan. Dil lagaake kaam karna chahiye. That's what I've done. In Insan, I've got all the comic scenes.

But I also get to make the important point that Muslims must not feel isolated in our country, that they're as much a part of our society as the rest of us," he avers.

"I'm sure Insan will go down well with the masses. It's what I call a single-theatre film. The multiplexes are becoming over-crowded these days."

Insan will be his last comic role for a while. "I have another comedy, Phir Hera Pheri, to be released mid-year.

But apart from that, there's no comedy in 2005. In my next release, Bewafaa (to be released in February), I play a very serious character. I'm the guy who loves and loses Kareena Kapoor.

Working with Dharmesh Darshan again, after Dhadkan, was a pleasure. The film was a turning point in my career. I feel Bewafaa will do the same, not just for me but also Kareena," Akshay says.

Besides Bewafaa, Akshay has a host of releases this year. There's Vipul Shah's Waqt, with Amitabh Bachchan and Priyanka Chopra, and Raj Kumar Santoshi's Family, also with Bachchan.

"I've also said yes to Sajid Nadiadwala's next with Salman Khan, to be directed by Shirish Kunder. But this time, Salman and I aren't doing any of the funny stuff. It'll be a serious love triangle. So you see this year is no laughing matter for me," he adds.

Talking of serious cinema, Akshay is now looking forward to a film with Rituparno Ghosh. "Yes, Ritu and I have met for a movie. We're trying to come up with a script both of us agree on. He had made an offer years ago, but I wasn't ready for his kind of cinema then.

Today, I want to work with directors like Rituparno. I'd give anything to work with Sanjay Leela Bhansali. Every time I see the promos of Black, I wish I was in it," sighs Akshay.