London-based actor, Nitin Ganatra, on his side-splitting performance as 'Mr Kohli' - the character who inspired the ditty, 'No life without wife', in Bride And Prejudice

What was it like working in India?

India is a fascinating country with different extremes. I had worked there earlier for the film, Guru in Seven and for Kumbh Mela, a documentary for Channel 4, which I had presented. I had interviewed the Dalai Lama. I even picked up Indian languages and now speak Gujarati and a bit of Hindi.

Are you temperamentally close to 'Mr Kohli'?

Not at all, even though every actor does bring something of himself to each of his roles. Director, Gurinder Chadha, let me try my hand at comedy and express a free range of emotions. I could be vulnerable, stupid and funny, all at the same time. I found it very therapeutic.

What do film awards mean to you?

I have not won one yet but I have been in films that have won awards such as Inferno and Kumbh Mela. It is good to see your work appreciated.

How does the British style of acting differ from Bollywood and Hollywood?

You can't say which one is better. In Britain, we tend to be more quiet and subdued. Bollywood has a more melodramatic style. In Hollywood, they work through a thought line, which is discussed threadbare, then downplay it.

What's next?

I have had many film offers and have signed Charlie And The Chocolate Factory with Johnny Depp. I have still to decide on the others.

Text by Nisha Paul in London