He is the only 'acting' member of Slumdog Millionaire who chose not to attend the premiere of the movie. He was not even part of the celebrations; forget about being part of the cast who went to the Oscars. Is something wrong, Mr Mahesh Manjrekar?

"I don't think I am such an important member of the film. I have a small role. I don't think I merit anything out of the film," he answers.

We beg to differ. Actors with even smaller roles were seen dancing at the premiere party and the post-Oscars parties. So, why was he the only man who chose to stay away from even the Mumbai premiere of the film?

"Yes, I did not want to attend the premiere of the film at Imax, Wadala. I sent Ashwami (his daughter) instead. She came back and screamed at me. She said, 'Dad, this is foolish. You should have been there'. She thinks that I deliberately acted difficult. But that's how I am. I can't help it," says the actor/film-maker.

Was he even invited to be a part of the Oscar ceremony? No, it seems. "If I had requested Danny to be a part of the celebrations team, I am sure that he would have invited me. But I chose not to invite myself. I am happy this way. I am a little camera-shy and I chose to stay away from the spotlight," says Mahesh.

Though, it's not that Mahesh has not kept in touch with Danny Boyle. He even sent him a mail congratulating him on the Oscar win. "He replied saying thank you," Mahesh adds.