So what if I play Akshay Kumar's dad?: Jackie Shroff

Jackie Shroff and Akshay Kumar share a long history. The Khiladi always speaks of Jaggu Dada with respect and will always share tales about his early days as a background dancer when he first started out, during Jackie Shroff's and Govinda's heydays.

Jackie and Akshay last worked together in Priyadarshan's Bhagam Bhaag (2006). Now, they will be seen in Karan Malhotra's Brothers where Jackie plays Akshay's father.

In Brothers, while Jackie is an ex-boxing champion, Akshay is a current one and the story revolves around the complex relationship between the father and his two sons (played by Sidharth Malhotra and Akshay).

They've shared screen space as heroes. Doesn't it bother him playing Akki's dad's role? Jackie laughs, "A role is a role, yaar! What's the big deal about playing a dad? Anupam Kher had played a father in Saaransh when he was so young. I did it years ago in Saudagar when I played Manisha Koirala's father. Then I played her lead actor in so many films after that. So, does it really matter? Everything has changed now. Those days have gone when one actor could play only a hero's role and given the chance I will beat the shit out of anybody. What's the problem about playing Akshay's father? He's like my younger brother, in any case. Also, I feel I have been good for him. He feels like family. Akshay always has good words for my son Tiger so it's like we have a mutual admiration society going."

Jackie says the Khiladi Kumar reminds him a lot of himself. "Akshay is easy-going and quite relaxed at work. Like me, he likes to work in his own zone. It's always a pleasure working with him. He is one of the nicest guys around and is the son-in-law of one of my best friends (Dimple Kapadia). During the shoot of Bhagam Bhag, Akshay and Govinda would sit around chatting, while the girls would come and chat with me (laughs). Then, Akki and ChiChi would come and touch my feet to show the girls that they are kids and I am their older brother. Not that it made any difference to the girls (grins). Everybody can't be Jai Krishna, no? Now after so many years, Akshay has more reason to touch my feet!"

Not me!
Earlier, Sanjay Dutt was asked to play a cameo role of good friend Salman Khan's father in his film Bodyguard when another actor refused to be part of the project. But Sanju politely declined saying he was not old enough to play his dad "as there's not much of an age difference between us".