Actor Adrien Brody's career has been blessed with a surfeit of challenging roles, all of which have seen him rise to the occasion. When he won the best actor Oscar for his role as a man testing the limits of his fortitude to survive the Holocaust in Roman Polanski's "The Pianist," becoming the youngest actor ever to be so honored, it cemented his status as one of the strongest talents in Hollywood.

But even serious artists feel the need to lighten up once in a while. So when Brody, who had just finished filming an intense role as a bullfighter with co-star Penelope Cruz in the film "Manolete," received a call from director Wes Anderson, known for whimsical films such as "Rushmore" and "The Royal Tenenbaums," he was thrilled.

Anderson sought Brody for a part in his latest outing, "The Darjeeling Limited," as one of three brothers seeking -- but not necessarily finding -- spiritual enlightenment in India. Co-starring Owen Wilson and Jason Schwartzman, "The Darjeeling Limited" opens this weekend, and allows Brody the rare opportunity to spread his comedic wings.

Bankrate spoke with Brody about the film, his career and where success has taken him.

Bankrate: How did you get involved in "The Darjeeling Limited"?

Adrien Brody: I received a call that Wes (Anderson) was interested in taking a meeting with me. I was shooting "Manolete" in Spain, so I flew into New York and we talked. I'm a big fan of Wes' work, so it was an exciting prospect for me to be considered for it. He couldn't really offer it to me just then, so I waited it out, and it came about. It's pretty great. I can definitely see myself as a brother in that crew, so I was honored that Wes felt I fit in there. It's hard to find the right kind of comedic roles, especially when you're known for being a dramatic actor. People tend to give you opportunities similar to the ones you've proven yourself with in the past, so I appreciated Wes' belief in my sense of humor.

Bankrate: The movie blends comedy with some very tragic moments. Is that hard to find in scripts?

Adrien Brody: Yes. Things are either very dramatic or, unfortunately, very superficial or overly commercial. It's hard to find things that are rooted in reality.