Sharman Joshi comes out of hiding to speak about his new film and why he detests the herd mentality

Sharman Joshi largely prefers to remain inaccessible and incommunicado. He is off the radar. Unlike other actors who want people to know what they are doing (and not doing), he keeps himself away from the glare.

You barely spot him with wife Prerna (Prem Chopra's daughter) and kids Khyana, Vaaryan and Vihaan out and about town. But now that his film is ready for the marquee, he is available and talking.

At his sea-front Bandra home, there are no telltale signs of his Bollywood outings. It's simply and tastefully done with wooden flooring. He does not evade questions and is quite forthright....

Don't you believe that when you are out of sight, you are out of mind?
I am happy to be in my own space and I like it this way. I don't follow the herd mentality. I may have not done a large number of films considering the number of years I have been around. But I really don't want to bite more than I can chew. I am always asked why I don't do more films. I am happy to have people's love and affection.

Finally you have a film with you as the solo hero?
There are many people who wanted to see me play the solo lead. It took a while but it happened. I am aware that other actors were approached for the role before me but eventually it had to come my way. I play a father to a young kid in the film. There's also Boman Irani. With him around there is never a dull moment. He raises the bar so high — it's extremely inspiring.



But there is also a Ferrari in the film. Is that the hero?
Yes... there is! But that's a car, after all!

You seem to have a comfort factor working with some production houses?
It's with Vidhu Vinod Chopra's projects. I am delighted to be in their scheme of things. It is a place I am at ease.

What spells quality to you?
I like to be part of films that have that extra efforts put in. They could be any genre. For me great films are Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kids as well as an Angoor and an Aankhen (the older one).

I have done a Rang De Basanti and a 3 Idiots at the same time I have done a Sorry Bhai. I was equally happy to be part of such films. Some may have done very well and some may not. But every time you fall, you take off again.



You belong to a Gujarati theatre family and your in-laws are also into Bollywood. But you don't seem to cash in on any of them?
I have always been this way and prefer to do my own thing. Ultimately it is what I do to prove my worth.

What next?
I want to taste different flavours and be a trendsetter. I don't want to do the same stuff. Then you get slotted and you are only doing say a comedy — the reason why I didn't do Golmaal again. I don't see myself doing things repeatedly.

In fact there is a greater risk involved when you take on something new. It will involve greater efforts but I want to go that extra mile because I believe in doing quality films.

So will there be another long gap before you do another film?
This time I have already said yes to a film being directed by Tanuja Chandra. It will go on the floors by the year-end. And that's pretty soon for me!