/> One of Bollywood's most self-effacing stars is finally coming into his own. For long the star in exile, Bobby Deol's career is working out...in more ways than one.

"I've been working out religiously lately. You know that one push that you need to do the right thing? I knew I was neglecting myself.

But I needed to get into shape for my boxer's role in Anil Sharma's Apne That was reason enough to start working out. And now I feel more happy and comfortable than ever before."

There's plenty of reason to feel pleased. Bobby has just completed a very unusual film called Nanhe Jaisalmer directed by Samir Karnik (of Kyun...Ha Gaya Na).

"It took me to a totally new territory. It's unlike anything I've done so far. I play Bobby Deol in the film," the star reveals shyly. "And the most surprisingly part of shooting in Jaisalmer was, there was a sandstorm and rains together."

Years ago dad Dharmendra had played himself in Hrishikesh Mukherjee's Guddi. Now it's Bobby's turn.

And if that honour hasn't turned Bobby's head try this. A confectioner in Mumbai named Milinda has named a yummy multi-layered cake after Bobby.

"When I heard about the cake I was flattered, honoured and very very moved. You know we're a large family and we've birthdays all the time. This lady makes all our cakes. I know she's fond of me.

But I never imagined she'd actually make a cake from all those ingredients that I love. I've a major weakness for sweets. And to me this is a truly emotional homage to my sweet tooth. I don't know if anyone else has a cake named after him."

Bobby's cup of 'wow' runs over. After a lull of nearly three months when he been working out and spending time with his two sons, Bobby is now into two major films.

"This month it's Suneel Darshan's film Shaka Laka Boom Boom (co-starring Upen Patel ). Suneel has now moved to a different level. He's moving away from the family-oriented drama. He realizes that today's films have to be targeted at the youth.

Even I'm asked all the time why I don't do more films Soldier and Gupt. I guess audiences do want to see me in young energetic films and roles. Suneel's new film will be a complete departure.

Again, I play a role different from anything I've done so far. I must admit it has shades of grey in it," Bobby says cautiously. "I think our cinema is shedding its skin. Just as people apply facial creams and get face lifts to get younger our films too are undergoing a change. I'm definitely going to be part of that change."

And if you think the excitement ends for this year with Suneel's unorthodox drama, here's more. Bobby teams up with Abhishek Bachchan in Shaad Ali's Jhoom Baraabar.

Says Bobby, "I've never worked with Abhishek before, though I know him very well. Abhishek is great fun. He makes you laugh all the time. We came close to working together in Abbas-Mustan's Humraaz. I think he was terrific in Yuva. I'm looking forward to Jhoom Baraabar."

Some eyebrows have been raised about Bobby doing a film for Yash Chopra whose banner Sunny Deol had fallen out with after Darr. Bobby laughs away the old cold war.

"Kuch to log kahenge. Why do they need to dig into an old book of feuds for masala ? I know my brother had a problem with the banner. But that's long forgotten. We've all moved on. Why hold on to the past specially when it's unpleasant?"

Bobby talks with characteristic fondness about his family. "We all live together. Now that I've stopped being the baby of the family I feel responsible towards the family. I think I've become more mature in the last few years. I admit I chose roles unwisely. But I don't regret doing any of them. One learns from one's mistakes.

Today I'm choosing very cautiously. I was very happy being at home for nearly three months. I needed to connect with my sons at this time when they're growing up. I remember how Sunny Bhaiyya and I missed dad during our growing years because he was busy working for his family.

I can afford to take it easy. But now it's time to get back to work. I'm looking forward to working with Suneel Darshan again, and with Shaad Ali for the first time."

Bobby talks with some pleasure about the 'family film' Apne. "It's not exactly a family film. We Deols aren't producing it. For now we're happy just acting. When it comes to taking a financial risk in film production. it's good to be a son-in-law instead of a father-in-law.

Apne is a family- friend Anil Sharma's film. It's an emotional family film. It's about a father's dreams for his sons. Our dad Sunny and I are together for the first time. Let's hope the audience is as excited about it as we are. We're looking at a Diwali release."

Any regrets about being so laidback about his career? "None at all. Some people make plans for their life. I didn't. I'm happy with what I've got. Yeah, I missed out on some good roles like Mani Rathnam's Yuva. But that's okay. What isn't meant to be in life, won't be.Thankfully I'm becoming more comfortable with people outside the familiar circle. I'm ready to break free."