Mumbai, Sept 09: Why did you decide to make a comeback after so many years? Comeback? Why did you say that? I was always in the industry doing films, but on my terms and condition. If any offers suited me, I was game for it. Elaan was one such offer, which landed in my lap. As I found my role interesting, I decided to take it up. Besides me, the film stars John Abraham, Arjun Rampal, Rahul Khanna, Amisha Patel, and Lara Dutta. By `comeback`, I mean your return to A-grade films.

(Slightly irritated) What`s your definition of A-grade films?

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Big-budget films with a big star cast I guess.

Yeah, I agree that of late my films are not that big in terms of budgets and maybe in terms of a big star cast (as you said). But, none of them have been loss making ventures. All my producers have recovered and even made money with my films. What`s the use of making mega budget films that flop? Eventually they turn out to be mega flops. Moreover, it doesn`t make a difference to me anymore, even if my film flops. I have learnt to rise above flops and hits, because I don`t have that Friday box-office fever any more. I`m at peace with myself. No more running after stardom. First you struggle to become a star, then you struggle to become a superstar, and after that you struggle to keep that slot, it`s a never ending struggle. I purposely decided to opt out of this mad rat race, because the race leads to nowhere.

Is it true that you will be playing a negative role in Elaan?

I won`t say it`s a negative role. It`s a role with grey shades. I`m not playing a typical Hindi film villain. It`s like a godfather kind of role.

What happened to the Salman Khan movie you were supposed to do?

Yeah, Lucky, his home production, it`s on the scripting stage. We will start shooting for it soon.

After being such a big star on the Indian movie scene, why have you settled down to doing what normally a B grade star would do?

For your information, this B grade star -- as you like to call me -- has the distinction of getting three National Awards. I don`t want to boast or sound arrogant, but tell me beside Kamal Hasan which other actor has won the National award three times? I`m 300 films old, and still getting offers; that speaks for itself. It`s for my fans to decide whether I`m an A grade or B grade star.

Why did you decide to leave Mumbai and settle in faraway Ooty?

After working for so many years, I decided to venture into other businesses, as this show business is an insecure place. There are a lot of risk factors involved here. I decided to venture into other business as well, as I wanted to give a secure life to my family. I wanted to leave behind something, so that they don`t starve after my death. My coming generation can lead a comfortable life, as I have built up my business empire, now I can die peacefully.

Heard that your son Max will be making his debut soon?

Yeah, Max has done his acting course from New York and he`s keen to become an actor. And there are some talks with a couple of producers going on. Ratan Jain (of Venus) is very keen to launch him. But I keep on telling producers who wants to launch him, don`t take him simply because he`s Mithun Chakraborty`s son. They should treat him like any newcomer. He doesn`t deserve any special treatment because of the status of his father.

So, when do we see him? Is he a good dancer like his father?

Oh, yes. He`s a better dancer than me. He`s taller than me, fair, a trained dancer and he`s into kickboxing. That makes him a good fighter also. And I`m sure he will make a better actor than his father too.

Then why don`t you launch him?

I`m not like one of those star fathers that launch their sons with great fanfare. My children will have to struggle, the same way I did too. I don`t believe in giving them everything on a platter.

How old are you?

Now that`s a secret, keep guessing (chuckles)…