'Aarakshan mentally challenging, AV physically'

Aakanksha Naval-Shetye

Actor Saif Ali Khan is busy shooting in Bhopal for film-maker Prakash Jha's Aarakshan at present.
And though he's maha-excited about working with one of his favourite directors, Saif says that he can't wait to start shooting for his own production Agent Vinod in April as well.
"If Aarakshan's a challenge mentally, then Agent Vinod is an absolute challenge physically. I haven't done hardcore action lately and I can't wait to get going," reveals Saif, who best describes his forthcoming production as a James Bond meets Tintin kind of an action adventure.
However, Saif is quick to clarify that the real work will begin only after wrapping up Aarakshan's shoot schedule. "I am living and breathing only this film till April and trying hard not to think about my own production," he says adding, "But it's like my child, so I do tend to get biased once in a while and treat myself to thinking about the action involved," he smiles.
The actor's reported to be be gearing up for the tough role by working out rigorously. "Bebo's already (actor Kareena Kapoor) got me hooked on to a healthy lifestyle, so I've been working out religiously. But I am ready to push my limits physically and to be honest I'm actually enjoying the challenge!" he says.
Talking about the U-turn in his image from a lover-boy to an action hero, Saif insists that it's actually no image change for him.
"I think that despite my romantic innings on screen, I have balanced my repertoire well by doing some diametrically opposite stuff too. Like, for a Love Aaj Kal I've always had a Kurbaan and for a Hum Tum, I've also had an Omkara," he explains, pointing out that with Agent Vinod he's not trying to prove his acting skills though.
"I just want people to get entertained and feel good about seeing a good guy beat up the baddies," he says, adding, "Having a good body makes the role more believable. But my workouts are not to compete with anyone in the six-pack brigade."
Ask him if Bebo likes the muscled Saif even more and he's quick to reply, "You'll have to ask her that," quickly adding, "I think she'll like me just any how ' six pack or not!"
a_shetye@dnaindia.net