If I get a good character, a suitable role, a good producer-director, only then will I do a film.
The first and foremost criterion for me when selecting a film is the character I am playing, and then the director.
I do a film if it interests me, has a connect with the audience and some entertainment value. The rest doesn't matter.
If something nice comes my way, I will take it up. It has to be something substantial. I am not saying that I have to do films like 'The Dirty Picture' or 'Kahaani.' It could be something commercial as well.
Oh God, my choice of film has never depended on the hero. In fact, you will see that some of my categorical mistakes had nothing to do with the hero in it.
I'm very picky about what I'll do and the message the film has in it.
When I choose a movie, I'll ask myself: 'Is this a movie I want to see?'
I have my own rules and adhere to them. The rule is simple but inflexible. A James Stewart picture must have two vital ingredients. It will be clean and it will involve the triumph of the underdog over the bully.
The truth of the matter is this - I never look for films specifically, because ultimately if the fundamentals of the character and the script and the director aren't there, it makes it a moot point.
If I had to choose criteria, for me, it's about first the director. I want to be a part of something that's good and intellectually challenging. After the director it's the character and the story. That's the deal for me.
I don't take a movie unless it offers me something unusual.
I choose films based on scripts.
I always give weightage to performance more than the length of my character. That has always been my criteria for signing a film.
My criteria is always, 'Would I go see this movie? Is this character something I've never done? Who is the director? Do they inspire me?'
I don't accept films just because they have star heroes in lead. I rejected a few big films because I didn't like the story.
The rule I have when choosing films is the excitement factor, I need to feel excited about the story and whatever message the film has - only then do I sign on the dotted line.
I would definitely love to do Hindi films but I'll choose films carefully.
