It's easy to win awards for delivering your dialogue but what if you win one for not saying anything? The star of Golmaal is all set to tickle your funny bone in the sequel, Golmaal Returns, which is released today in the UK. For a change, Tushaar Kapoor does most of the talking as DEVANSH PATEL asks the questions

ARGUMENTS may occasionally rage over the acting abilities of Paresh Rawal and Rajpal Yadav, but no one divides opinion like Tushaar Kapoor in Golmaal. With his elastic features, frantic mugging and screen-hogging antics, many believed that it was the best comic role of all time in a Bollywood film.

Golmaal lauded him as a comic machine-gun, only ever stalling his barrage for long enough to reload, then unleashing another hail of laughs. What's for sure is that no other comic actor, not even Paresh or Rajpal, could have equalled Tushaar's manic intensity in the film.

But in his second outing in Golmaal Returns, Tushaar claims that his role is even tougher, funnier, better and bigger than part one and to top it all, he is the only 'lucky' one who has a girl in both the parts.

Q You've won an award for not delivering your dialogues in Golmaal. Will Golmaal Returns see the same results?

A I feel good only because I was very afraid of playing this character in Golmaal. To do a role with no dialogue was a huge risk. 'How will I be noticed?' was the first question on my mind. I just went with my gut feeling. It was my tutor Vikas Kadamb who told me that even the mute can make sounds to convey their message. My character is not deaf, he just can't speak. Golmaal Returns is going to be even more hillarious. So I hope to win more trophies next year!

Q Did you do your homework before preparing for your role in Golmaal Returns?

A I didn't have to go through as much training as part one because I had already done it. There was a bit of a brush up in the way I pitch up my sounds but the hard work was seen on the sets, as the story is a continuation from where the first part ends. In Golmaal, my sign and sound language was translated by my co-star in the film, Sharan Joshi, who played Laxman. This time around, there is no translator. The only person who can understand my sounds and signs is Kareena Kapoor, who plays the role of my sister. So the challenge was more than part one.

Q What change did you see in director Rohit Shetty from Golmaal to Golmaal Returns?

A I feel he has matured a lot. In part one, he was a little more controlled, as in not going overboard with dialogue and scenes. He took only calculated risks as it was his first comedy film.

Now in Golmaal Returns, you will see him completely over-the-top with a lot of masala. It is more commercial and funnier than part one. Rohit has put in so much more. Earlier there was a fear factor over whether some scenes would work or not.

Q I am sure the extras in Tha Kar Ke must have made the song the most expensive.

A The entire set is actually shown as a township. It's not only the song which was shot there. We shot on that set for nearly 11 days. The action in the song was very expensive. It's not like a Karan Johar film song or a Yash Raj type. This song has cars blowing up, guns firing, glass breaking, etc. The song is not in the end credits so people will enjoy it.

Q You've been paired opposite Anjana Sukhani who has only one film to her credit. How was the newcomer?

A She is a very natural actor who has a very small role and she is a surprise element in the film. Even though I was the only one who won Rimmi Sen in part one, I still got to flirt with Anjana in part two. Of course, Kareena has the meatiest role of all the other actresses because the whole story begins with her suspicious mind. Amrita Arora is going to be a revelation in this film and so is Celina Jaitely.

Q Four-actor comedies seem to be working in the UK a lot. Dhol, Dhamaal and Golmaal in the recent past have proved it.

A I think the UK audiences miss our Indian culture. They left India or Africa years back and settled in the UK, which is kind of sweet. The movies you've mentioned give them the entertainment value for their money. There are certain people who prefer this kind of cinema because they are the same ones who want to stick to the comedy or the Yash Raj/Karan Johar genre of films. The UK market is a lot more star-driven and I am sure that they won't miss the first day of Golmaal Returns.

Q Long back, Khakhee, and now Shoot Out at Lokhandwala show you in an action-packed role. When do we see that next?

A I want to do another action film soon, like Shoot Out. I haven't signed an action film yet but will in a short time. The other films I'm doing right now are very social like Life Partner and then a comedy with Govinda titled Run Bhola Run. Life Partner has Govinda, myself and Fardeen Khan. It's about a set of three friends where one believes in love marriage, one in arranged marriage and one doesn't believe in either of the two. I play a Gujarati guy from South Africa who goes to Gujarat. So you can make out whether mine will be a love or an arranged (laughs). Prachi Desai who was in Rock On plays my wife in the film and Fardeen is opposite Genelia D'Souza. Govinda is still looking for his perfect match (laughs).

Q Everyone who has seen Golmaal simply adored your character. They are going to come again for you in Golmaal Returns. But tell us something about the new boy in the house.

A You mean Shreyas Talpade? Well, what can I say about this versatile actor? He has also done a lot of comic work up to now. He has excelled in Apna Sapna Money Money and Dor, where he did a bit of comedy. The audiences are looking forward to seeing Shreyas after the super success of Om Shanti Om in London. When you go and see the film, you will forget Shreyas and remember only his character just like they did for me. People remember me as the goonga guy and not Tushaar Kapoor of Golmaal.

Q Your sister Ekta Kapoor is the serial queen of India. She has taken over the entire world from 7pm to 11pm! Was it your idea for Kareena to play the role of someone who loves to watch Ekta Kapoor serials in Golmaal Returns?

A It was Rohit Shetty's idea and it's not a personal attack in any way on my sister. Kareena Kapoor's character is a mad fan of the serials and she believes whatever is shown in them. It's like paying homage to these prime time serials. Ekta and Rohit are good friends and we are doing our next film together. He is going to direct the sequel to Kya Kool Hain Hum and it'll be a Balaji film.

Q Do you think your sister should act in films?

A (Laughs) What are you saying? She hates acting and is very camera conscious and shy. From childhood she was clear that she wanted to something creative in the television front. She wasn't shy before but now giving an interview on the television is a tough job for her.

Q Would you ever attempt to act in a remake of your father Jeetendra's earlier films?

A I've done a tribute to him four years ago at the Stardust Awards but that's it. I was dressed like him and did an act on stage too. I would love to act in a remake of the film Caravan and Farz. I did put across this idea to Dad but to get the right director is a concern. So we are taking our own sweet time.

Q It's strange, but the truth is that Tushaar Kapoor likes to stay away from controversies.

A (Laughs) Yes, you're right. I never fight with anybody, never come late on the sets. I promote my films, I don't trouble my directors with dates and I love my work. I'm just like my Dad, a very uncontroversial figure in the Indian film industry. Only when my films are being released, I don't mind landing up in any controversy. That gives the film a little push!

Q You seem to be very happy and content with the films you're doing. You don't seem to complain like your other co-stars.

A Yes. I am happy in what I am doing. I am sure everyone else thinks the same way but I'm not fussy. I am happy and satisfied with the roles I am doing. Sometimes I do feel that I should act in a solo hero film but I have gained so much from being a part of multi-star movies that today directors want me to be a part of their multi-star cast film, especially when it comes to comedy. I will only do a solo hero film if I find the right banner, the right director and the right producer. My role should hit the bullseye. I hope that day comes soon.

Q Do you think the duration of Golmaal Returns will decide its fate at the box office?

A Of course, yes. The total duration of Golmaal Returns is 2h 20m. A film can be an hour long but might feel too long due to it's slow pace. Golmaal Returns is too quick. The energy and the screenplay of the film is very important. A lot of people like Jodhaa Akbar. The story ultimately takes over the proceedings. I bet people will love to watch Golmaal Returns for hours. They are in for a big Diwali surprise this year!