Victor Banerjee's brief role in Yash Raj Films' (YRF) may have irked some of his colleagues and fans, but the acclaimed veteran actor defends it by saying that he has a "kitchen to run".

"Why did I do such a brief role? Simple! The truthful answer is I have a kitchen to run. Those who don't like me working in such films unfortunately won't contribute to an out-of-work actor's pension," said the 67-year-old.

"Besides, at the end of the day, all work is a challenge and therefore fun," added the Bengali actor, who has worked with the likes of David Lean, Satyajit Ray and Shyam Benegal.

In "Gunday", which stars Priyanka Chopra, Ranveer Singh and Arjun Kapoor, Victor is seen as a two-scene prop as Irrfan Khan's senior on the police force.