We heard, you are planning to have a new look with a hair transplant?

Yes. I am going in for a hair transplant.

When and where are you planning to get it done?

I am planning to get it done in September. I have worked out my dates and kept myself free from shooting. Salman Khan’s doctor is going to come to Dubai. The surgery will be conducted in Dubai. I have spoken to the doctor.

But why a hair transplant when you are not balding?

Yes, I am not balding. But when I work in very airy conditions on outdoor locales, my hair spreads a lot and I do have a problem. Plus, I intend keeping long hair (smiles).

You are looking fitter and younger...

I had become 107 kilos when Sukh released. I had become like a South Indian comedian. Bahut gaaliyan padi, ghar se bhi aur bahar se bhi. So, I built a gym at home. I got all the hi-tech machines and I exercise at least two hours every day, followed by yoga for 30 minutes. I am on the treadmill for half hour. I also skip a lot, at least 1500 skips a day.

Of course, I am keeping a check on my diet. I have managed to lose 22 kg and now I weigh 85 kg. I want to reduce to 75 kg and I will do it. I think I should achieve that in the next two or three months.

Were you 75 kg at any stage in your life?

Yes. I was 75 kg when I acted in Ilzaam.

Do you have a personal trainer?

Not right now. But Shyam Rathi was my trainer at one point in my career. I remember all his instructions and I am following those now.

Tell us about Partner.

Partner is full-fledged comedy. I am very happy with the film. It has turned out marvellous. David Dhawan has done a great job. I did not expect that I’ll get such a great role. Looking at the length of my role, you will not feel that it is Salman’s home production. 

It was said that Akshay Kumar had your role chopped in Bhagam Bhag ...

I don’t think so. Frankly, I am not looking at such things now. I am back and I want to make the most of it with a positive frame of mind.

Don't you rate Salaam-e-Ishq as your comeback film rather than Bhagam Bhag?

Thanks for the compliment. But the success of Bhagam Bhag was very important. That started it all. Main jeet gaya. Kitne vote se jita woh parvah nahin karneka (laughs).

As for Salaam-e-Ishq, director Nikhil Advani gave me a lot of free hand, and at the same time, did not allow me to go over the top. So, that helped.

Your friendship with Salman Khan is the talk of the town. How come you two clicked so much so late?

I think we respected each other a lot, even before. It was just waiting to come out.

Bollywood friendships have a tendency to go bust. Are you scared?

I don’t see this friendship going that way. I have left in the hands of God.

Which are the other films you are doing?

Apart from Dhawan’s film, I am doing a Ravi Chopra film.

You are also doing a film with Sohail Khan where you have been paid Rs 1.5 crores?

Frankly, I don’t discuss money with Sohail. Recently, he gifted a Mercedes to my wife Sunita. Bahut pyaara aadmi hai. We keep talking about how to increase my price.

As for the Rs 1.5 crores, I am getting that for Dhawan’s next. I am beginning to get my price now (smiles).

Your daughter Narmada is grown up now. What does she want to become in life?

She wants to act and become a heroine. For some time, she will assist Rakesh Roshan. She wants to start at the grassroot level, by learning the intricacies of film-making.

What about your son Yash?

(Smiles) He will become an actor. Kahaan jayega? Main banaunga usko hero.