Rajeev Khandelwal: My character in 'Samrat and Co' is crazy but adorable

New Delhi: Actor Rajeev Khandelwal says his titular character of a detective in his upcoming thriller 'Samrat & Co' is a bit of "an eccentric", who is obsessed with solving mysteries. The 38-year-old actor said the role pushed him out of his comfort zone as it was different from the characters he has played in his previous films like 'Aamir', 'Shaitan' and 'Table No 21' among others. "My character is not serious. He is eccentric. He is a little crazy but adorable at the same time. He is eccentric because he is in love with his work. His life revolves around work," Khandelwal told reporters at a press conference here.

"It was a new domain for me as it was out of my comfort zone. I am grateful that I got a chance to do a role which was so different," he added.

Produced by Kavita Barjatya under the Rajshri banner, the film marks the Bollywood debut of Madalasa Sharma. The Kaushik Ghatak directed film is slated to hit theatres on April 25. Ghatak, who helmed the banner's film 'Ek Vivaah... Aisa Bhi', has served as a director for hit series like 'Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi' and 'Sanjivani', besides setting up many popular shows. Khandelwal said Ghatak has made a terrific film.

"I was a bit surprised when I came to know he (Ghatak) is making a film like this. He is such a humble person and I wondered as to how he would be able to make such a huge thriller," he said. "But when he gave me the narration only then I realized that one should never judge anyone by their personality. After listening to the narration, I thought nobody could have made the film better than him. He had a command over set without raising his tone," he added.

Madalasa, who started her journey from South Indian films, said her Bollywood debut will not restrict her from taking up Southern cinema projects. "I started my career from South but it could have been from Hindi too but I waited some years patiently for the right opportunities as I wanted to launch myself with a good film in Bollywood," she said.

"I did not want to waste my time, so I kept doing South Indian films in the meantime and I have done a German film too. But I will never leave South Indian movies."