I never thought my son could be an actor: Vashu Bhagnani

New Delhi, Feb 21 (IANS) He has produced over 15 movies including hit comedies like 'Hero No.1' and 'Biwi No.1', but Vashu Bhagnani candidly says that not once did he imagine that his son Jackky would become an actor.

'It was never at the back of my mind that Jackky will become a hero. I always thought being a producer's son, he'll follow suit and remain only a producer. May be in the future he could have tried his hand at direction, but I never thought my son could become an actor,' Bhagnani, who is launching Jackky in his home production 'Kal Kissne Dekha', told IANS.

One of the main reasons Bhagnani thought his son would never face the camera was his weight.

'Jackky was too heavy. He used to weigh around 130 kg. Because of his size, I never thought he could become a hero. I don't even know when he started working out and shed 60 kg. When I saw his thin frame ... that very day he became a hero for me, both literally and metaphorically,' said Bhagnani, who is confident that his son will go places.

'After watching his performance, I'm confident about him. He is hard working, looks good, can act and dance well and can fight well too in front of the camera - he is a complete actor,' the producer said.

'Kal Kissne Dekha' has been shot extensively in Pattaya, Thailand, complete with a song sequence and a boat chase in the sea.

Directed by Vivek Sharma, the film that also stars Rishi Kapoor and debutante Vaishali Desai, is scheduled for an April release.

Known for making comedies, Bhagnani said he couldn't have launched his son in a comic caper because 'a newcomer can be launched only in a romantic role'.

'Making comedies is my hobby. I derive fun out of it. But I had to launch my son and I couldn't have done that in a comedy. But I have made love stories too like 'Jeena Sirf Mere Liye', 'Mujhe Kuch Kehna Hai' and 'Rehna Hai Tere Dil Mein'.'

So why isn't his favourite David Dhawan directing 'Kal Kissne...' ?

'David belongs to a different school of filmmaking and 'Kal Kissne...' belongs to a different school of thought. He is very dear to me, but it wasn't possible to make this film with him. But he is directing a film for me,' he explained.

Bhagnani's project with Dhawan is titled 'Do Knot Disturb'. He is also producing an untitled romantic comedy with Jackky in the lead.

Bhagnani is actually making a comeback of sorts with 'Kal Kissne...' after a self-imposed sabbatical of four years.

Asked what he was professionally up to for four years, he said: 'I was into the construction business. I wanted to take a break from the industry and freshen my mind. In the process I came across Vivek, who planned this movie.'

Does he see any changes in the industry in his absence?

'The industry and the people are the same. I had apprehensions that I might take some time to adjust, but once I started the filming process, I felt I'm in form. Everyone supported me like in earlier days,' he said.