/> Sushant Singh plays Gabbar Singh's right-hand man in Ram Gopal Varma's Sholay has begun preparation for the role.

"It was a pleasant surprise when Ramu called me. I didn't think twice before accepting the offer. It's not often that one gets a chance to re-visit an all-time classic like Sholay. Also, I've never had the privilege to work with Mr Bachchan. I get to be with him in almost every frame."

Sushant has worked on his complete look for the film. "Obviously my Samba is going to be very different from the way it was played in the earlier Sholay. Ramu has opened up the character. Not much is known about the character in the original. I'm very interested in exploring the relationship between Gabbar and Samba."

Sushant wants to go for a complete change of wardrobe and attitude. "So far I've never had the chance to play a really trendy character. I wanted Samba to dress and speak in way that reflects a contemporary sensibility."

About Manoj Bajpai being offered Samba's role first Sushant feigns nonchalance. "It means little to me whom the role was offered to first or second, as long as I finally got it. For me it's a double whammy that I get to work with Ramu again, and share screen space with Mr Bachchan," says the actor who's very excited about his villainous role in his next release.

Mani Shankar's Mukhbiir featuring Sammir Dattani in the lead, is a very unusual espionage thriller. Sushant is gung-ho about his part. " I play a very dark shade of grey. From Ramu's Sholay to Mukhbiir is a complete performing spectrum for me."