As an actor, Saurabh Shukla has carved a niche for himself in commercial cinema, but when it comes to making films, he chooses to helm offbeat subjects because he feels that he is not equipped to make mainstream movies.

"It depends on your capacity. As an actor I have an ability to make a transition from the so-called commercial films to the so-called art films. But may be as a writer or director, I don't have the capacity to make a similar transition. So I write only what I understand or direct only what I understand," Saurabh told in an interview.

Saurabh has acted in films like "Bandit Queen", "Yuva", "Luck By Chance" and "Aarakshan" and as a writer-director he has films like "Raat Gayi, Baat Gayi", "Pappu Can't Dance Saala" and "I AM 24" to his credit.

He reveals the subject of most of his films has been inspired by real-life.

"Every filmmaker or storyteller tells a story, which comes from his or her life. But it is not necessary that it should have happened with you. It could be what you have seen and felt. You try to reflect that reality into your films and I have tried the same whether, it is acting, writing or directing," said Saurabh

"I AM 24" released after the delay of two years and Saurabh admits it is disheartening for filmmakers to see their films lying in cans biting the dust.

"Every filmmaker makes a film to be released and to be seen by people. But this is a problem with smaller films where budgets are not so big and they don't have bigger stars on their side," he said.

"It is a common problem. 'Khosla Ka Ghosla' had to wait for nearly four years, 'Paan Singh Tomar' took a lot of time to release. Rajat Kapoor's 'Fatso' also took time. Obviously, it is disheartening to see that the film that you have put so much hard work and soul into, struggles to release," added Saurabh who also features in "Barfi!".

Apart from being a film actor, director and writer, Saurabh is actively involved in theatre.

Asked if he plans to convert any play into a film, he said: There is a cinematic language and there is a theatrical language. When you convert a play into film, it does not remain a play at all. It is actually writing a fresh film... if I ever like any story, I would definitely try to make it."

Meanwhile, Saurabh is looking forward to the release of "Jolly LLB" and "Mohalla Assi". He is also working on another script.