Contrary to his serious image on celluloid, Bollywood actor Sunny Deol is quite a sunny fellow off screen. He has been in Rajkot with papa Dharmendra [Images] and bro Bobby for about a week now, shooting boxing sequences for Anil Sharma's family drama Apne at the city's indoor stadium.

He has 'enjoyed thoroughly' being mobbed by hordes of fans but nevertheless found time to talk to Haresh Pandya. Excerpts:

How has it been working with your dad and brother here?

It's been a wonderful experience. In fact, we had been hoping for a film with a good storyline, in which my dad, Bobby and I could act together. It's nice that Anil Sharma has helped realise the dream. I hope the audience enjoys the film as much as we have enjoyed acting in it.

We shot a sequence of this film in Mumbai, in which the three of us danced to Saroj Khan's choreography.

Compared to a livewire like Bobby, you and your dad certainly can't set the stage ablaze. How did it feel like dancing with them?

Obviously, Bobby is the better dancer but hum -- I mean my dad and I -- bhi kisise kum nahin hai! (We are no less) It was very exciting for all of us to dance together.

Does Dharmendra still dance the way he used to when young?

Of course he does. Once your feet start moving, dancing is not difficult. He still feels comfortable dancing and he dances really well.

Do you like your dad's acting?

He is my favourite actor. I really go ga-ga over my dad's acting. No, I don't say so because I'm his son. He has proved his abilities by acting in a variety of roles from Satyakam to Sholay [Images] and now Apne.

What about you? Are you choosy when it comes to selecting a film?

I'm always prepared for any kind of a role, provided it's interesting and is a true test of your acting talent.

But you are typecast as the macho man out to punish the bad guys�

It's not my fault. The audiences like me in a particular role. The producers and directors like me in a certain role. We actors have to act without being too choosy. Anyway, tell me which actor, howsoever big, isn't typecast in some way or the other? My father, of course, has been an exception. He is truly versatile.

Could you name a few films of yours in which you enjoyed the playing your characters?

Well, movies like Betaab, Ghayal, Damini, Border and Gadar immediately come to mind. Of course, there've been many others too.

Did you enjoy the theme of Gadar?

Very much. It wasn't a patriotic film as it has been made out to be. Nor was it a story about two particular communities. Do you think my role in Gadar was communal? It's the media that gives some films communal colour. Gadar was a pure and simple love story.

How much effort do you put to breathe life in the characters you play?

I do a lot of hard work and try to be as faithful to my character as I can. But ultimately, it boils down to the particular role you play. In most cases though, it's the character that inspires the actor in you.

Have you been looking for a dream role?

Not really. I'm quite happy and content with the different characters I've played so far. No role is easy to play for even the greatest of actors. It's just that he or she makes it look easy.

Do you intend to play some negative roles too?

Well, I'm willing to play negative characters too, provided there is depth in the roles. One shouldn't play a negative role just because one wants to. For that matter, I'm keen to do some comic roles as well. A true actor should be open to any kind of role. He must prove his ability in all sorts of roles. 

Would you like to comment on the increasingly tense relations between India and Pakistan over the years?

I don't believe in communities. Whether Hindus or Muslims, Sikhs or Christians, we're all human beings. I strongly believe in humanity, nationalism and family. For me, personally, my country, my family, my moral duty as a man towards fellow human beings, constitute my religion.

Like your dad, would you like to join politics?

No politics please! I'm not cut out for politics, nor am I interested.

Don't you think there have been increasing threats to film personalities from the underworld?

I've no idea! You journalists know better than us!

Don't you think there is more sex and vulgarity in Hindi films today than ever?

Yes, unfortunately. Too much sex and vulgarity must never be shown in films. We mustn't forget that children see these films. You can have good films without sex and vulgarity. Hrishikesh Mukherjee's films are good examples.

What are Censor Board members doing?

Well, they're doing their duty!

Do awards matter for you?

What awards? Which awards are you talking about? You've to have good PR skills to get awards. You need to flatter the people concerned. And I don't do that. Audience applause is the best award for me personally.

Do you go to award functions?

No. What will I do by going there? It's a pity the way all sorts of awards are dished out to all sorts of people these days. A combination of factors has made me lose all interest in awards.

Why do we always talk about Hollywood films, when it comes to class and quality?

Not necessarily. We in India have been making the best of films. I fail to understand why we should always go by Hollywood. Even the name Bollywood is borrowed from Hollywood. I ask why. Why can't we think beyond Hollywood? I've been waiting for the day when even Hollywood will turn to Indian films for inspiration. And that day will surely come.

Have you had offers from Hollywood?

Yes. But I'm not crazy or wasting my sleep over Hollywood. Unless there is depth in my character, I'm not interested, whether it's an Indian film or a foreign one. Nevertheless, offers do come and maybe one day I'll end up acting in a Hollywood film, too.

Who is your favourite Hollywood star?

Mel Gibson.

Has any music director ever asked you to sing, in keeping with the present trend?

Well, people say I should sing but, frankly, I'm no singer. I don't want to sing even in my films. I'm fine acting!

What's the secret of good physique and fitness over the years?

I don't spend hours in the gym. I am no body builder but I've been a sportsman since my childhood. I've played different outdoor games and they've enabled to stay in good physical shape.

Which sport do you admire and play?

Football.