Los Angeles, March 18 (IANS): Oscar-winning actor Sean Penn, who is all set for the release of his upcoming film "Gunman", says red carpets are "uncomfortable" for him and make him "self-conscious".

"Red carpets are uncomfortable. Being photographed is uncomfortable. It's got nothing to do with being an actor, it's just got to do with being me," Penn told usatoday.com at the premiere of "Gunman" on March 12, held at Live's Regal Cinemas here.

"Before a big event, you gotta suit up and take a deep breath and look for your real smile. You might even be happy that day but it's hard to smile because you can feel the muscles in your face. I'm self-conscious under those circumstances," he added.

Directed by Pierre Morel, the film features Penn as an ex-assassin on the run, with Idris Elba appearing as an Interpol agent and Javier Bardem playing Penn's girlfriend-stealing ex-colleague. The murky allegiances among the three provide much of the film's tension.

"Gunman" will hit Indian theatres on March 27.