Doing an erotic thriller was a complete shift: Sharman Joshi

Mumbai: He is known for his comedy roles in movies like "Golmaal", "3 Idiots" and "Dhol" but actor Sharman Joshi says that doing "Hate Story 3" was a complete departure from his earlier body of work.

The actor, who will be seen in Vishal Pandya's upcoming erotic-thriller, said he would have done this film earlier too.

"There was no confusion in my mind. The moment Vishal discussed the project with me I knew I wanted to be a part of it. As far as the change in terms of what I am doing, yes it is a complete change.

"I haven't done an erotic thriller earlier but I would've done this four years back as well. It was just the question of finding the right one and I found it. I am happy I am a part of it," he told reporters here.

Sharman was speaking at the trailer launch of "Hate Story 3". The film also stars Karan Singh Grover, Zarine Khan, and Daisy Shah.

Sharman made his debut in 2001 with the comedy "Style" and went on to star in film like "Rang De Basanti", "Life in a...Metro", "3 Idiots" and "Ferrari ki Swaari".

The 37-year-old actor said he was happy to come out of his image and surprise the audience.

"I have been doing work which excites me, whatever genre it belongs to. I am not here to make a perception in the minds of the people, with all due respect to them. I am here to do the kind of work that pleases me and keeps me happy.

"In the bargain, if that breaks perceptions or images... That's just a plus."

The actor will be seen romancing Zarine in the film and he says he was "extremely" comfortable shooting intimate scenes with the "Houseful 3" actress.

"I was extremely comfortable... It's part of the job, we are professionals, we are here to enact as an what is required... I am glad there is such a hue and cry over lovemaking scenes in India because that ensures a good opening for the film. For me, its no big deal," he said in jest.

The film is a sequel to Pandya's 2014 thriller "Hate Story 2" and third instalment of the franchise.

Over concerns whether the erotic-thriller will run into trouble with the censor board, the director said they were "clever" enough to shoot within the permissible limits.

"We are also as clever as them. So we shoot only that much which is allowed. Of course, we try our best to push the envelope. They are doing their job we are doing our job..."

"Hate Story 3" is scheduled to release on December 4.