Malayalam superstar Mammootty, who has been acting for over 25 years, says he is overwhelmed by the love he's received from people and hopes to play many more roles before hanging his boots.

"The love and liking that people have for me has bowled me over and I am simply overwhelmed," Mammootty told IANS in an interview.

The actor, who has more than 300 films to his credit, says he is not at all afraid of growing old.

"You and me, including the universe, are getting older by the day. It is just a feeling and I am not at all afraid."

Mammootty hopes to do many more films and play different kinds of characters. He already has several movies lined up in his kitty.

"My hands are full with many projects with leading directors like Renjith, Hariharan, and Blessy," said the superstar who is now shooting for "Pothan Vava" at the Central Prison premises here.

The actor confesses to being a bad investor. He prefers his wife handling his money.

"I am a bad investor and over the years I have realised that banks are the best bet. Now my wife handles my money."

Excerpts from the interview:

Q: What has been most satisfying for you?

A: It is simple, because lots and lots of people like me. The love and liking that people have for me has bowled me over and I am simply overwhelmed.

Q: Are you happy with your achievements?

A: These days, what I achieved in 25 years can be achieved in a year's time, so I don't think I have done anything great.

Q: What is the reason behind your success?

A: Hard work and only hard work has paid off for me. Being a very small industry, hard work is a must. It has worked wonders for me most of the time.

Q: How emotional are you?

A: I am very emotional and I get really upset when any of my films flop. I also get hurt over silly things. That is the way I am, I can't help it.

Q: How is your latest release "Bhargavacharitham Moonnam Khandam" doing?

A: It's bombed. It was a black comedy and was not received well.

Q: So what next?

A: Will do a 'white comedy' (laughs)

Q: How is the Malayalam industry doing these days?

A: The industry is doing well and the digital revolution will soon become the order of the day. There has been a remarkable improvement in content also ... all this would certainly add colour to our industry.

Q: What is the future of Malayalam cinema, according to you?

A: More meaningful cinema is being made and that is the reason why you see a rejuvenated Malayalam film industry. But more films aimed at youth are needed.

Q: What are your future projects?

A: My hands are full with many projects with leading directors like Renjith, Hariharan, and Blessy ... to name a few.

Q: What sort of characters do you portray in these films?

A: Each one of them is a different character. It includes a Tamil laundry worker, a spoilt brat, a writer and many interesting characters.

Q: What do you do with all your money?

A: I am a bad investor and over the years I have realised that banks are the best bet. First of all, where is the time to work on your investments? Now my wife handles my money.

Q: Any chance of becoming a producer?

A: There are others to do that job.

Q: What about direction?

A: May be...