Akshay: Imagine a 6 hour Hera Pheri

He might not have had a hit in 2006 so far, but Akshay Kumar would justifiably be counting on the June release Phir Hera Pheri to change things. A sequel to the smash hit Hera Pheri (2000), this film -- starring Paresh Rawal, Akshay and Sunil Shetty -- is one of the year's most awaited.

Raja Sen caught up with Akshay on the sets of the new comedy, while he was fending off silliness. "What attracted you to be a part of this film?" asked an enthused female journalist. Akshay raised an eyebrow and said, "Well, it is a sequel, so it couldn't have been made without me."

After dealing with the obvious trappings of a star addressing the media, Akshay briefly talked about the new film, and the importance of being Raju. Here are some excerpts:

What should people expect from the new film?

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Imagine if Hera Pheri was a 5 to 6 hour film. In the same way, this is a continuation of the same story. We've worked hard on the film, but we've done nothing under pressure.

Tell us about the plot?

The first film ends with us striking it rich -- when we save the little girl and get the reward -- but now we want more money. As usual, I (grins) try to invest it for them, and they don't believe me the first time. But then they consider it and say 'okay, he's an intelligent guy, he'll invest very well,' so then they give me their shares of the reward money and I invest it for them, and that's where this film takes off.

What do you think is the appeal of your character, Raju? What makes him a special?

What makes Raju special? Hmmm. See, the films are called Hera Pheri. And I'm the character who does all the cheating, and all the galat (wrong) stuff, you know, the lying, fooling people. Raju's always out for a fast buck. So this guy brings the hera pheri (fraud) element into the film.

Is there a message about greed somewhere? Some thought about how one should quit when ahead?

It's a comedy, and it's not about giving a message of any kind. Of course, (smiles) I'm not preaching that you should do hera pheri to earn money. There are many ways to go and make money, but this is also a way. And this is a way lots of people try out, and while it's nothing to be proud of, Raju's not a guy who goes about harming people. He does harmless little cons, and ends up being a very lovable character.

Neeraj (Vora, the director) has talked about these characters turning into a franchise, a series. So there might be a Hera Pheri III and IV. Are you open to keep doing these films?

It all depends on how the second film goes. Let's wait and see what the audience thinks. It's too far-fetched to think about that now. I just hope Phir Hera Pheri does well.

What kind of homework does a sequel need?

(Laughs) I didn't do anything. Just before starting the shoots, I watched Hera Pheri all over again and began working – that was all the homework Raju needed. Maybe the audiences should watch it a few more times before the sequel comes out.