Gone are the days when Riteish was content doing laugh-a-minute capers. Today the guy is on to doing a family entertainer, a thriller and a fantasy – all at the same time. No doubt, Riteish Deshmukh seems to have become really serious this year!

These days the otherwise chirpy guy is consciously opting for roles that will allow him to exhibit other facets of his apart from just comedy (which he has been well-appreciated for but now seems to be done with, though he claims otherwise), he is also shedding off his jovial attitude for a serious, no-nonsense one.

When we cornered him recently, Riteish was pretty serious about his work. Here’s an excerpt from our recent chat with Ritesh ‘Husmukh’ Deshmukh.

Q: Tell us something about the metamorphosis that you have gone through.
A: Yeah, I’d like to talk only about my work; that is the only prominent thing in my life at the moment. With this, the actor firmly stonewalled any possible queries to issues other than work, especially those related to his alleged romantic ties with a certain ‘powerful’ minister’s daughter.

Q: Well, then tell us something about your myriad projects.
A: I have just returned from a fun-filled schedule for Sajid Khan’s Heyy Baby, where Akshay Kumar and Fardeen Khan and I had a whale of a time scaring Vidya Balan out of her wits and indulging in some seriously funny male-bonding.

Q: So where were you for the shooting?
A: We had a lot of fun in Australia. I’m quite kicked about the film, which, contrary to popular notion is not based on Three Men and a Baby, though the premise is a bit similar.

Q: What is so special about Heyy Baby that has excited you so much?
A: The beauty of Heyy Baby lies in the fact that it cannot be slotted into any particular genre. It has snatches of comedy, drama and emotions; so, in that sense it is a complete family entertainer.

Q: How was it like to shoot with a 6-month-old baby girl?
A: Oh, she was the star of the film! We had to adjust our shooting hours as per when she would not be colicky and would have the mood to shoot. The moment she cried, we’d panic thinking that she was uneasy and would try to pacify her. But on a serious note, it was a very different experience shooting with a baby. I enjoyed it thoroughly.

Q: You will be seen playing the title role in Aladdin with the Big B as your genie! Does this mean that you are consciously trying to find an audience among the kids?
A: Well, I don’t strategise my career so much, though it would be great if I find a niche audience amongst kids. But I accepted Aladdin to get to work with Mr. Bachchan again.

Secondly, as a child, I too was enamoured by the concept of having someone who’d fulfill my every wish. We all dream of having someone like that isn’t it? It was an extension of my childhood fantasy to get this role and that is also why I accepted it.

Q: What are your other forthcoming ventures?
A: I am doing films like Anubhav Sinha’s Cash, as action-thriller in which I have done some kick-a** stunts and the sequel to naughty-caper Kya Kool Hain Hum with Tusshar Kapoor, which is in the planning stage though.

Q: So your hands are full these days?
A: Yes and also no. It is true that a lot of work is happening for me now, but I am never too busy for his friends. I recently attended music concerts for my friend and also performing at my bosom buddy’s sangeet!

Q: Tell us something about your new-found love for rock music after your recent appearances at the concerts of Shakira and Pink Floyd.
A: Oh, that was because my friends wanted me to accompany them to those. I wouldn’t have cared had I missed them, but friends are precious for me.

Q: Tell us something about your scintillating performance at sangeet for your buddy Abhishek Bachchan’s shaadi.
A: I wouldn’t like to talk about my involvement with Abhishek’s wedding; it’s too personal a thing. But yes, he is a dear friend and I had to be there to share his happiness.

Q: We hear that you were displeased about being called by the Big B halfway through your schedule in Bangkok to perform at Abhishek’s sangeet.
A: I wouldn’t like to issue any comments whatsoever on issues that hold not an iota of truth. It’s irrelevant to talk about this topic. Nothing of that sort happened. I wouldn’t like to fan the rumours by commenting more upon the same.