Bollywood actor Shakti Kapoor, who is known for his comic and villainous roles, was in Kolkata to shoot for his upcoming Bengali movie Gundaraaj. Tania Roy chats up with the actor on the sets of the film. Excerpts:

What made you accept the offer for ‘Gundaraaj'?
The producer of the film Mr. Narayan and the production house Kajal Films convinced me.

Tell us about your character in the film.
The title of the story is Gundaraaj. And you know how much a decent man I am (jokes). Here I am playing ‘Goonda'. (Then asks a question...) first of all tell me what is the full form of MLA? (After getting an impromptu answer says) but in this film MLA means ‘maal luto araam se' (rob money coolly).

And in this movie we will show the power game in politics...what ministers can do for power; not all the ministers, but how some of them indulge themselves in corruption, sometimes even murder people.

What do you have to say about the hero (Raja Goswami)?
He is a very good actor. In the story the tension is between him and me. He is the superstar of tomorrow. Even the producers are very ambitious; they are lusting for good films.

You gave myriad hits by essaying both comic as well as villainous roles. Which role are you more comfortable playing?
Villainous roles. Basically, I am not a comedian but people have put me into the bracket of comedy. I have stuck to that for long and now want to come out of it. I prefer being a villain.

Who is your favourite comedian and why?
Paresh Rawal. He is a good actor and a good human being.

You have acted in ‘Moner Manush' in 1997. You are working again in a Bengali film after 15 years. What are the changes you have noticed in Tollywood (Bengali film industry)?
Don't forget, after 'Moner Manush', I have acted in other Bengali films too...though not major roles like I am doing in Gundaraaj. Now, filmmaking is doing well even the budget has increased. Today there are good actors and directors in Tollywood.

Your comment on the infrastructure and management of Bengali film industry compared to others?
The industry has improved a lot. There are good people who are very cooperative. But it needs more air-conditioned studios and latest cameras.

Why don't you try some off-track experimental stuff like the ones made by Anurag Kashyap and Sudhir Mishra?
They should offer me first. Then I will never refuse.

What goes into your long-standing success?
Hard work and dedication.

Your comment on today's generation who portray negative roles in the films?
(Smiles) Today, heroes are playing more negative characters.