After a lengthy shoot for his new film Welcome To The Jungle, Shreyas Talpade unwinds in his vanity van while eating his home-cooked lunch before we can begin our special shoot for International Day of Happiness. The actor is back at work after a long break as he suffered a near-fatal heart attack in December 2023. Over the years, he has made people smile by playing comic roles in projects like the Golmaal franchise, Apna Sapna Money Money (2006), Housefull 2 (2012) and more. After going through a life-changing ordeal, he’s now learning to be happy again.

The 48-year-old explains, “Earlier, my definition of happiness was a smile on my face, but now, it’s more to do with how content I am. You could be in different places around the world, and you won’t be happy. But at times, you are sitting in the comfort of your home and are happy. After what I’ve gone through, I’m grateful for whatever is offered to me.”

Shreyas believes he is living on “bonus time”. “Every single moment I am on Earth, is a bonus for me. I better be happy about it. What should I ask God for? He gave me the best gift ever — the gift of life, not once but twice. First, when my mum picked me up in her arms and second, when my wife (Deepti Talpade, actor) rushed to save me,” says the actor adding, “I wasn’t aware of what was happening. She was living it.”

Returning to set was a joyful moment for him as everyone was “happy to see” him. “People are talked about and get more love after they are gone. I’m fortunate to experience this when sI am alive,” he ends.