Sanjay Mishra grabs your attention in an instant, be it with his action or words. Not surprising then, that more than his films, he's known for the way he portrays his characters. For those familiar with his performances in commercial films, Aankhon Dekhi was a revelation; it even fetched him the Best Actor (Critics) Award (Male). BT catches up with the formidable actor as he gears up for Baadshaho, in which he plays one of the six badasses. Excerpts...

As someone who has completed over 26 years in the industry, what do you look for in a film before giving it your nod?
I don't read the script. If the director can share his vision - the story, its setting, the characters - and if I can see the film in its entirety, I take it up. I also see if my character will be noticed and talked about. On the other hand, if a director fails to share his vision, there's no way I'll be able to share it with the audience. Having said that, there are some films that I do for the money; I treat them as rehearsals for my craft.

So, what made you take up Baadshaho -money or vision?
I did Baadshaho for three reasons. Milan Luthria is a cinematic director. Then, Ajay Devgn said that I could perform stunts. Their confidence was a major factor in me taking up the film. Also, as the shoot progressed, the scope of my character expanded. Last but not the least, the money was good.

The film has given you a chance to attempt something new - action. Was that the most satisfying aspect of being part of the project?
Baadshaho gives me the satisfaction of appealing to a bigger audience. Ek kalakaar ke liye, woh ek tagdi satisfaction hoti hai. I know the audience loves me in mainstream cinema, like the Golmaal franchise. However, it would help if they also watched films like Aankhon Dekhi and Kadvi Hawa (scheduled for later this year). Also, films like Baadshaho and the Golmaal franchise help me reach a wider audience.

You have been part of numerous movies and television shows. Looking back, what would you call the turning point in your career?
Long ago, I had said in an interview that shuruat tab hoti hai jab tum kuchh shuru karte ho. At one point in life, I felt that playing the character Apple Singh for an annual cricket tournament was the turning point. Then came a time when I viewed Office Office as the turning point. Today, I consider Ankhon Dekhi as a milestone. Jis league par main chal raha tha, thoda sa alag ho gaya. Ankhon Dekhi gave me the degree, the recognition of an actor. Till then, I was more known as a comedian or a villain in our films.

Reportedly, you took a break from films to work in a dhaba in Rishikesh for a while. Despite being a known face in movies, what prompted you to do something like that?
Position, naam aur paise ke alava bhi ek life hai. Actually, we are nothing. That realisation struck me when my father passed away. When you are a kid, you feel that your parents will always be there, but as you grow up, you realise that they will grow older and go away. I was in Rishikesh when that realisation happened. I exhausted the money I was carrying so, I went to a dhaba owned by a Sardar and asked him if I could cook and work there. After a few days, people began asking if I'm the same guy from the movies. Soon, the Sardar too heard about it and asked me. At that time, Rohit Shetty, who was making All The Best, called me back. One month was enough for all the learning and also to understand that I just couldn't go and work just about anywhere, just like that.