Since his Bollywood debut with Nagesh Kukunoor’s IQBAL, Shreyas Talpade has not looked back. Now he would be seen with Shah Rukh Khan in the upcoming mega release OM SHANTI OM. Ruhail Amin in conversation with the actor who started his career with Marathi theatre and films.

How has your experience of the commercial Bollywood cinema been since you started with regional films?
Well, it has been my dream for long to do Bollywood films and the best part is that it offers you a wide choice in terms of characterization and themes. Finally, it was IQBAL that gave me the much needed break which also was a theme that gained huge popularity with the audiences. When I look back, I feel the journey has been really great so far.

It's said that you were active on the Marathi theatre front for a long time? Could you tell us more about that?
I did Marathi theatre for more than five years and later went to do Marathi television and films. When I was in college I was an active member of the theatre group there. I believe I have learnt a lot about acting by being associated with theatre.

You have played a range of portrayals in your films so far. Which has been the most challenging role so far?
Well, if you talk about challenging roles, I believe my first film IQBAL was definitely a challenging portrayal since the character demanded a completely different approach. Thanks to my director Nagesh Kukunoor, who made the shoot seems effortless and the most exciting till date. As an actor I always want to try new characters since they give you an opportunity to enact a range of emotions, which in real is every actor's dream.

Apart from serious roles, you have also acted in comedy films. Which genre would you consider your forte as an actor?
I believe for an actor the genre is not the limiting factor. I would never say that I am good at doing comedy films or serious roles only. As I already pointed out, I love to play a range of roles without getting tagged for a particular genre and all roles are equally fascinating for me.
Could you tell us about working with SRK. How was the experience?
I had a great time shooting for Farah Khan's OM SHANTI OM. Working with SRK was a great learning experience. We shared some of the best moments together shooting for the film.

What about your film BOMBAY TO BANGKOK? What kind of a role do you play in it?
It's again something which is close to my heart. The film has comic shades and I would not like to detail my role before the film is released, which is going to be very soon.

We heard you have a keen interest in photography? Is that a fact?
Yeah, I love taking pictures and that's something I do whenever I have time at my disposal. But, I am not lucky on that front since most of times I am busy with my shoots.

Are you doing any international films too?
I would surely love to do that. But at the moment I am happy with my Bollywood projects and there are more films that are coming up, so my attention is on doing Hindi films for the moment.