What are the films you think define you?
There are a couple of them: Naam, Saajan, Sadak, Khalnayak, Vaastav, Kaante, Mission Kashmir, Munnabhai, of course. Also, Zinda, I don’t know why people did not recognise it but it was a very intense and powerful film.

How difficult is acting for you?
It comes with time, I think. I have been in the industry for 27 years and you mature as an actor. You can never stop learning. My father used to tell me that I’m more like my mother. He was in Mother India too and he told me that you are just like her on the sets. Everybody may feel that you are just fooling around and stuff. But I read the scene once and don’t just sit in a corner and keep reading. But when the camera is on, she was different and when it was off, she was back to herself again. So I guess I’m like her.

What’s been the most difficult role for you?
Naam was difficult because Mahesh told me, ‘Just be what you are’ and to be yourself in front of the camera is very difficult. You tend to act. So it took me two-three days to get it right, it was difficult.

You were one of the few Bollywood invitees at the recent Aishwarya Rai-Abhishek Bachchan wedding. What would be your words of advice for them as far as marriage is concerned?
Well Abhishek is more like a younger brother to me, he’s like family. And I have worked with Ash, she’s a wonderful person. All I can say is that in a marriage there have to be many sacrifices, especially from the woman’s side and from the man’s side as well. It’s not a joke; it’s a lifetime bonding. There is a lot of give and take and a lot of changing oneself. I just wish them all the best and I love them.

Speaking for yourself would you say you have been lucky in love?
I would say I don’t regret it. I’m pretty okay with it and as of now I’m very happy.

What is life outside of the set? Is there life outside of the set?
Yes, I’m a homebody. I love sitting at home and watching movies, going to the gym, playing with my nephews and nieces.

Talking about kids, what Munnabhai also did was open up a whole new audience for you?
Well, my name has changed from Baba to Munna right now so that’s the biggest reaction I can ever get. But now kids do shake my hand and look at me not as Sanjay Dutt but as Munna and that is a great pleasure.

Are there actors who you see and admire around you?
Yes, there are great actors around. Aamir, Shah Rukh is great. Abhishek is getting there. Hrithik was great in Dhoom 2. I’m sorry if I have left out anyone but we have some really good talent in this country.

What’s the last really good Hindi film you saw?
I really liked Parzania. I liked Dhoom 2 as well. I really liked the action and found it all very stylized.

You sang a song with Asha Bhonsle. How was the experience?
It was beautiful. I said I couldn’t sing with Ashaji. She’s such a great singer and I thought I would be very nervous.