/> "I'm missing home like crazy," says Bobby. "I've always been a home bird, never like to be away for long periods. And I couldn't bring my wife and sons because my elder Gangster. I think one is in school. It's not right to make him bunk school just to be with his father for long outdoors. The kids need to be disciplined."

Remind him that he was the spoilt brat of the family and Bobby chuckles, "Those were different times. I got away with being spoilt because my brother and dad were there to look after everything. My kids have to be taught early that they've a tough life ahead."

On location in Johannesberg for Suneel Darshan's Shaka Laka Boom Boom, Bobby Deol has been screaming non-stop at Upen Patel. This has got to be the most tense role of Bobby's career.

"These are really some of the most dramatic scenes I've done. I've never done anything like this film before," Bobby affirms. "I've always believed in learning on the job. And I guess I've been waiting for a chance like this. This role gives me the chance to really sink into something that was a challenge.

In fact when Suneel narrated it to me I was like, 'Will I be able to do it? ' The entire film hinges on how I carry off my character, my new look, my new clothes...I've worked on my hair and clothes. I'm wearing more body-hugging clothes. Generally I'm in baggy teeshirts."

What's exciting for Bobby is that his director has chosen to switch lanes. "Suneel Darshan made the switch at the right time. It's definitely an emotional film but very different from anything Suneel has done. I hope family audiences would respond well to Suneel's new avtara, there're some bold shades in my character that would definitely raise some eyebrows."

Bobby seems to have found new reserves of energy to take on this role. Generally known to be laidback(he declined Ajay Devgan's role in Mani Rathnam's Yuva) Bobby is giving his all to Shaka Laka Boom Boom.

Ask him about his young star who plays his pupil, and Bobby is guardedly positive. "He's new, raw and eager. He's a young kid. I remember I was like him once. But I had the advantage of being a part of the industry. He's from the outside and really working hard. That's important for anyone in this industry."

As for the special bonding that Upen's publicity machinery has been broadcasting Bobby laughs, "I get along well with everyone. I've never had a problem with anyone I've worked with."

Bobby is impressed wth his co-star. "I hadn't seen Kangana's work before working with her. But she caught my eye in the promos of Gangster.I think this industry needs lots of talented newcomers like her."

Bobby is now looking forward to working with fellow-Aquarians Abhishek Bachchan and Preity Zinta, and also Amitabh Bachchan in Shaad Ali's Jhoom Baraabar Jhoom.

"Mr Bachchan and I have worked together in Ab Tumhare Hawale Watan Saathiyon. But that film was out of the theatres before we could say the title."

Now Bobby is in a family saga called Apne with his father and brother. "That's a very nice subject. We shot portions in Bangkok for quite a while recently. I did some very tough boxing shots in a stadium in Bangkok."

Bobby shot fighting sequences with a group of trained boxers including an African American from New Jersey named Johnny who's playing a villain.

Says Bobby. "Boxing is one helluva of challenging sport. Not only do you have to be physically fit to practice it, it also makes you more physically fit. Boxing has made me more conscious of my physique. I needed that push. And I thank Apne dost Anil Sharma for it."

Bobby has also signed a film with Abbas-Mustan. "They're working on the script.And we should roll by the end of the year. But my next release is Samir Karnik's Nanhe Jaisalmer. It's a very sweet film. I'm proud of it. I couldn't finish the dubbing before I left Mumbai because of a viral infection. So I've just a couple of scenes to dub when I return on 31 July."

Bobby leaves immediately for Jhoom Baraabar Jhoom. "So I guess I'll have to remain homesick for a while."