Rajkumar Hirani’s directorial 3 Idiots turns 16 this Christmas, and the film is once again in news amid reports of a sequel featuring the original cast: Aamir Khan, R Madhavan, Sharman Joshi and Kareena Kapoor Khan.

Ask Sharman whether he has any inkling about the project, and the 46-year-old says, “On more than a couple of occasions earlier, there has been buzz that the 3 Idiots sequel is happening. I hope that this time around, it’s true, but I have not been informed yet.”

But does he think there is scope for continuation of the story of the three friends from the film? “I am in no position to know. Only the master, Raju (Rajkumar) sir, Abhijat (Joshi, writer) sir and Aamir would be working on it if there is potential,” he says.

A smile comes to Sharman’s face as he talks about 3 Idiots. The actor reveals that it was his 2001 breakthrough film Style that ultimately led him to Rajkumar’s film. “Raju sir had seen me in Style and thought that someday he’d cast me in some movie.”

One of the most talked-about scenes from 3 Idiots is the one where Sharman’s character attempts suicide.

Elaborating on the effect the scene had on the audience, Sharman shares, “People would call my parents asking if I was doing alright. Not just parents, but many kids, including my daughter, were moved by that scene as well. She was just four when we were at the premiere and she started crying while watching that scene. She didn’t stop until I held her in my lap.”

Sharman Joshi is quiet and unassuming. Despite giving some incredible performances in films like Golmaal: Fun Unlimited, Life In A Metro, 3 Idiots and Rang De Basanti, the actor is nonchalant about his talent and dedication. He is secure and levelheaded enough to own his failures and the risks that didn't pay off. Fiercely unapologetic about mak ing a foray into erotic films (Hate Story 3 and Wajah Tum Ho), he takes pride in choosing movies that position themselves clearly, as opposed to those that are sneaky about the content. Excerpts...

Most erotic films revolve around women...
As actors, we don't approach a role thinking whether women have an edge over men. Wajah Tum Ho (WTH) has an ensemble cast. Likewise, Hate Story 3 belonged to all three of us - Zareen Khan, Karan Singh Grover and me. Besides, nobody puts a gun to your head and forces you to do a film; you know what you are getting into. If you are talking about WTH's promotions, since I don't feature in any of the songs that are being promoted at the moment, obviously you won't see me much.

This is the first time you are playing a cop...
Yes. I play a passive aggressive police officer, who has a great sense of humour. Director Vishal Pandya dared to tread a path that no one else was willing to walk with me. I was always open to doing such roles, but because of the characters I'd played earlier, a certain perception was formed.

As a father, do you worry about your children's reaction if they watch WTH's trailer?
Well, there are several things online that can't be controlled. I am sure my kids will watch the movie when they grow up and I will have no qualms about it. If I have done a good job, they will be proud of me.

What about your wife?
Prerana understands this profession. Yes, there are kissing scenes in this film, but all major production houses have them in their movies. Films that don't project themselves as erotica also have plenty of it. They just position themselves differently. We have chosen to say that WTH is an erotica and maybe that's why it seems so in-your-face. In fact, ours is a plain and clear approach as opposed to misleading the audience.

Adult comedies, desi horror films and erotic thrillers are considered lowbrow by many. Your thoughts?
I want to try, at least once, what is perceived as lowbrow because I find that also challenging. For instance, my film Style may be lowbrow for those who admire Rang De Basanti. But there are people who liked Style, too. I am not here to please a particular type of audience. You will like some roles, you won't like some. I don't analyse whether I am doing something right or wrong. I am happy if I am able to break the mould and recreate myself as an actor. Otherwise, it gets very mundane. Agar aap wohi karte raho jo logon ko achcha lagta hai, then that's herd mentality. Achche achche logon ne mujhe different roles nahin diye.

After doing an array of socially relevant movies, what convinced you to star in erotic films?
Beauty lies in variety. When I hang my acting boots, which I hope I never do, I want people to realise that I played an exciting and interesting range of characters throughout my career. You do some roles for yourself, it is a selfish journey.

Does it bother you that it's been awhile since you delivered a major hit (the last was 3 Idiots in 2009)?
If you are talking about commercial success, a Rs 13-crore film (Hate Story 3) collected almost Rs 55 crore at the BO. In terms of commerce, that was a huge hit. Numbers are important because huge money is at stake.

Why don't you believe in idolising anyone?
People might find me cocky or egoistic, but I choose not to have a godfather because my father taught me to be my own man. I may get inspired by someone's work, but idolising means allowing myself to get influenced. I respect a lot of people, but I don't want to be like them; I want to carve my own path.

Films or theatre - what do you prefer?
Theatre because it's an actor's medium. You have to be on your toes every time you step on the stage. The thrill of being in front of a live audience and getting their instant response is true happiness.