So I had to convince Arbaaz (Khan) that creatively it would not be a good thing for me to work in the sequel. Arbaaz is an extremely cool guy, and I have no issues at all with him.

I am sure he'll do a good job with the sequel. What do you think makes a successful sequel? I think like every film, a sequel also requires a good script and convincing to do with every character that was portrayed in the original version.

A good director and a proper pattern and progression from the original is also important. You have played lead roles in a few films, which haven't really worked at the box-office.

Do you feel it's difficult to get lead slots in Bollywood films unless you are a huge star? When I came to Bollywood all the way from Punjab, I was told that making it big in Bollywood is next to impossible. I waited for many years before the producers would invest in my work.

Besides, the equation with producer and director also works a lot here. So now that I have a couple of good films coming up, I feel that it was worth all the struggle.

For me my greatest inspiration is my late mother's letters and how to stick against all odds in life. You replaced Vivek Oberoi in Shoot out at Wadala? How much training went into portraying Dawood Ibrahim? Yes, Vivek was the choice earlier.

I read this book — Dongri to Dubai-Six Decades Of The Mumbai Mafia which talks a lot about Dawood's life and the incidents that took place in Mumbai during the 70s and 80s. Portraying this character will be a big challenge for me.

Did you want to spread any special message with the PETA ad? Yes, I want to let people know that even if you are a vegetarian, you can still have a great body. It's not necessary to eat meat to have a fit body.

I also don't smoke or drink. You are a major fitness freak and have been maintaining a six pack since the last 18 years.

Getting a six pack is not as difficult as maintaining it is. Since my body structure is lean, I have been maintaining a six pack for the last 18 years but I must say it is very tough.

It is like meditation — it requires tremendous control over your body, you have to watch what you eat and know how you train your senses. I follow a strict gym routine, don't eat rice, junk food, and have mithai may be once or twice a year.

I also don't eat chappatis at night and sometimes even eat boiled vegetables two-three times in a week. My chappatis are made from bajra and have a less oil diet (less)