After giving intense performances in films like ''Hero'', 'Parinda'' and ''Ram Lakhan'', Bollywood star Jackie Shroff will now portray the role of a saint -- that of Sai Baba.

The forthcoming film ''Malik Ek'' will be directed by Deepak Balaraj Vij and will be produced by Kishori Shahane Vij under the banner of ''Om The Mantra Productions''.

''Bhajan Samrat'' Anup Jalota will give music for the film.

Speaking to reporters on the eve of song recording at a studio here, Deepak Balaraj Vij said he had wanted to make this film long time back but the script was not ready.

''I worked on the script and approached Jackie. He did not even take five minutes and agreed to do the film immediately,'' he said.

''I took Jackie for the film because he is an intense actor.'' Jackie Shroff was modesty personified. '' Mein jaisa hoon vaisa hee hoon ..... I am the way I am. I leave it upon others to make me look good,'' he said.

Elaborating on the song being recorded, Anup Jalota informed, ''We are recording a song on 'raksha bandhan' and the music is in keeping with the times.'' Anuradha Paudwal is going to sing the song.

The film will go on the floors in November. It has screenplay by Shrish Latkar, camera by Manish Bhat and editing by Dilip Kotalgi.