Making people laugh is a blessing: Anees Bazmee

By Subhash K. Jha, Mumbai, Dec 6 : Anees Bazmee, the maker of umpteen comedies, is just wrapping up another funny film 'No Problem' and has two more films with Akshay Kumar lined up - 'Hera Pheri Part 4' and 'Thank You'. And the director says the ability to make people laugh is 'a blessing'.

While "No Problem" stars Sanjay Dutt, Ajay Devgn, Sushmita Sen and Kangana Ranaut, "Hera Pheri Part 4" celebrates the return of the characters conceived by Priyadarshan with Amitabh Bachchan also added to the comic brew.

"Thank You", which brings Akshay back together with his hit heroine Katrina Kaif, is believed to be Anees' most intensely romantic film to date. But the director is keen to release "Hera Pheri Part 4" first.

"Comedy is what sells these days. To make people laugh is a blessing and I've done it repeatedly without resorting to vulgarity. The script (of 'Hera Pheri Part 4') is ready. And this time apart from the regular 'Hera Pheri' cast of Akshay, Suniel Shetty and Paresh Rawal, I've also written a role specially for Amit-ji. He'll play the catalyst in the comedy. It's every director's dream to work with Amit-ji and I'm no exception," Anee said.

But he doesn't want to be stereotyped as a comedy maker. "I've been in the business of writing and directing for more than 30 years. Apart from the comedies I've done some really romantic films like 'Pyar To Hona Hi Tha' and 'It's My Life', which is ready for release.

"'Thank You' is my most personal and romantic subject to date. I'm bringing Akshay and Katrina together again. It's to be produced by UTV," the filmmaker added.

Talking about the first two editions of "Hera Pheri", he said: "I loved the first 'Hera Pheri' film by Priyan-ji. But I must confess I didn't like the second 'Hera Pheri' film ('Phir Hera Pheri' directed by Neeraj Vora) that much."

Asked why the series has skipped the third segment and moved to the fourth, Anees said: "Actually there's an explanation in 'Hera Pheri Part 4' as to why Part 3 is missing. Just wait and see."

One comedy that Anees is not doing is the sequel to hit film 'Singh Is Kinng'.

"I haven't been approached for this at all," he said.