Amitabh was not my rival’

What kept you away from the industry for so long?
I've been busy with my political career. I think I have made a comeback at the right time. Scripts are being written for people like us.

What are your forthcoming films?
I am doing Hriday Shetty's film in which I play a godfather. Then there is a Subhash Ghai film which is a musical-family drama, and Vishram Sawant's Risk. A few more scripts are in the pipeline.

Are you excited about your role in Risk?
I am banking a lot on this film. When Vishram narrated the script, I was very excited. He is a wonderful director and the film is going to be a big surprise. I play the role of a don who is very rustic. It's a finely-etched character.

When you quit the industry, you were considered to be Amitabh Bachchan's strongest rival.
No, there never was any rivalry. The Bachchan phenomena was always there. He had great films like Sholay, Anand and Deewar to his credit. Undoubtedly, he is one of the most amazing actors we have ever had. He is at the peak of his career even today.

Since both of you made a good team together, would you like to be paired with Mr Bachchan again?
Why not? I enjoyed working with him. It would be a great experience to be paired with him once again. I do hope we get a chance and I am sure he would be keen to work with me too.

Are you going to produce films under the banner of your production house?
Eventually, I want to be a producer-director. I have some scripts in mind and plan to revive them, as mindsets have changed and everything has become contemporary.

Are you happy with Akshay and Rahul's careers?
They are both intense actors. Akshay is a very fine actor. I am happy with his performances, he was excellent in Humraaz. Rahul thinks in a different way, although he never thought he'd make a career in Hindi films.

Any plans for working in films with them?
Vikram Bhatt was writing a script keeping us in mind. We are all ready, provided everyone else is happy with the roles.