I had no qualms playing Sher Khan in `Zanjeer` remake: Sonu

Mumbai: Actor Sonu Sood, whose name was earlier in the race for the iconic role of Sher Khan, played by Pran in `Zanjeer`, said he had no qualms playing that character in the remake version.

Actor Pran had given a memorable performance with his role as Sher Khan, sporting a typical Pathan`s look with long hair and kohl, in Prakash Mehra`s 1973-hit film `Zanjeer`. Even though Sonu`s name was earlier being considered for the character of Sher Khan in the remake version, the role ultimately went to actor Arjun Rampal. When asked if he would miss playing the role of Sher Khan in the `Zanjeer` remake, Sonu says, "No I am not missing doing the role. Apoorva (director) is a great friend. I know Arjun will do a good job. I feel it is all in the destiny... whichever character is written for an actor, he gets to do that. The script is great... So it does not matter whether Arjun does the role or me. As far as the film is good, it should not be a problem!" "I am sure they will make a good film. I am looking forward to the film. I have always enjoyed watching `Zanjeer`," he said. The remake will be directed by Apoorva Lakhia and stars Priyanka Chopra, Ram Charan Teja, Arjun Rampal, Prakash Raj and Mahi Gill. However, in Sanjay Gupta`s upcoming film `Shootout at Wadala`, Sonu is set to play the character of underworld don Dawood Ibrahim. "In this film, we are showing how Dawood was in the 70s. We do not have much references of that period. Since it`s a film, we are taking some liberties," he said. In the Salman Khan-starrer `Dabangg`, Sonu who had essayed the negative character of Chhedi Singh, had flaunted his six-pack abs. In the climax of `Dabangg`, there was a bare-bodied fight between Salman and Sonu. When asked whether he is ready to flaunt his body once again in `Shootout at Wadala`, Sonu said, "I asked Sanjay Gupta (director) do we have a bare-body scene for Dawood and we might have one such scene. We are working on it...We would bare body." As Sonu essays the role of a don in this film, he is leaving no stone unturned to portray this challenging character on the silver screen. "I have read some books, and meeting those people, who have written books on him (Dawood). Sanjay Gupta has done a great amount of research on the character, so that is also of great help to me," Sonu said. PTI