India, Aug. 29 -- Cont from main page NEVER... I find Priyadarshan a filmmaking genius; he is a very rare director who can wear more than one hat. He has a talent for the dark side of the lens too; we are all witness to that in the original Bhool Bhulaiya (2007). Rather than throwing fans off, it gives them a chance to enjoy us back to back in the same year without anything being repetitive. To be honest, it was a huge relief. I find playing villains so fascinating; I always have. They get to play way more interesting characters than heroes do. Heroes, most of the time, have to be perfect. They can only be good, do good and come across as influential role models. Me, I like to be challenged. Easy is nice, but it's also boring sometimes. Shooting with Priyadarshan for the last two years has given me so much newfound love for my work. He is like medicine for the working side of my soul. This isn't the first time this has happened. Toilet Ek Prem Katha's (2017) script was circulating for a couple of years and had been rejected by many actors before it came to me. I don't really look at a role and think about who has said no to it. For me, the more interesting question is whether the character takes me out of my comfort zone as an actor, because that usually means there is something worth exploring. In fact, Haiwaan came to me more by chance than by choice. I was shooting with Priyan sir for Bhooth Bangla when we happened to discuss what he was making next. I was the one who coaxed him into telling me more about the story, which eventually led to me being part of the film. What drew me to the character was the idea of making audiences uncomfortable with me. They've spent so many years watching me as the good guy, so this time, hopefully, they'll find themselves wondering what I'm going to do next. My fan clubs have a lot more imagination than I give them credit for! Maybe they know something. or maybe they just don't trust me to stay negative for two and a half hours! I think they're so used to seeing me save the day that old habits die hard. But with Haiwaan, Priyan sir has given me the opportunity to surprise people and explore a completely different side of myself. The film is designed to keep the audience guessing. Saif (Ali Khan, actor) is the hero and I'm playing the villain, but with Priyan sir, you should never assume you know where the story is going. You'll get your answer on September 11. I love making multi-starrers; there is no need to have insecurities, the more the merrier. I feel sharing space with fellow heroes and character artists is what makes a scene complete. I don't enjoy being funny on my own as much; it takes a village to make the audience laugh. It's why I love Garam Masala (2007), Housefull (2010), Welcome (2007). Regarding Haiwaan, I get to work every day with my dear old friend Saif; I would choose that opportunity over a solo hero film any day....