Chennai, Jun 11 (IANS): Ali, a popular comedian in Telugu cinema, is excited to play a lead role in upcoming Telugu comedy "Ali Baba Okkade Dhonga". He was last seen in the lead in 2008 Telugu comedy-drama "Somberi".

"It's always nice to be treated as a hero. Not that I don't get treated well as a comedian, but there is always something special about playing the lead, isn't it? I'm really looking forward to start shooting for the film," Ali told IANS.

"Ali Baba Okkade Dhonga" will go on floors June 18. It will be helmed by Phani Prakash and produced by Boddada Sivaji.

Known for comedy performances in films such as "Desamuduru", "Ishq" and "Amma Naana O Tamil Ammayi", Ali has played lead roles in Telugu films such as "Pittala Dora", "Ammayi Kappuram" and "Gundamma Gaari Manavadu".

"I played few hero roles in the initial days of my career, but audiences loved me for my comic timing and, therefore, I later turned comedian. I really don't mind being a comedian because I get the chance to make people laugh and I think that's truly a gift," he said.

As a comedian, Ali has starred in over 500 Telugu films in a career spanning three decades.

"It was director Krishna Reddy who introduced me as a hero. All my films with him have been very successful," said Ali, who has worked with Krishna Reddy in films like "Yamaleela" and "Hungama".

Hunt for Ali's leading lady is underway for "Ali Baba Okkade Dhonga".

Thanikella Bharani, Jeeva, Shafi, Raghubabu, Duvvasi Mohan, Ramjagan, Kondavalasa Lakshmana Rao, Dasanna, Ramaraju and Chandrasekhar will feature in important roles in the film.