by Subhash K Jha

Rajpal Yadav is on Cloud 9. The praise and paise for his protagonist's pitch in Main Meri Patni Aur Woh has left the actor stunned and surprised.

"I can't believe the kind of love people have given us. Considering how low-key the promotion was, and how much Rituparna and I had to do to spread the good word about the film, audiences have reciprocated more than generously."

"Prints are being added at some centres—a sure sign that the film has been appreciated. It's no small matter for a film where nothing lives up to audiences' preconceived expectations...not the hero, heroine, not the songs and certainly not the theme and content."

Rajpal isnow in Chennai playing a fisherman with Paresh Rawail for Priyadarshan's untitled comedy with Shahid Kapoor and Kareena Kapoor in the romantic lead.

Grins Rajpal, "Both Paresh and I are playing fisherman who rescue Shahid when he floats ashore."

Rajpal is delighted to return to 'character' acting.

"I never said I want to be a conventional hero. I'm aware of my limitations. A role like Main Meri Patni Aur Woh comes along once in a while. What I'm doing with Paresh right now is as rewarding as what I did in Main Meri Patni...Priyan has always been extremely fond of me. No wonder he keeps giving me chance after chance."

Talk veers to Rajpal's mentor Ram Gopal Varma and his plans to cast the actor as Soorma Bhopali in Sholay and of course as the corny caretaker in the remake of James. "I have

n't really thought of how I'll interpret Soorma Bhopali's role in Sholay. It's such a well-known role. I'll have to sit down with Ramuji and figure it out. As for James... is he Ramuji really remaking it? Then I guess I'll have to be there for it."