/> His role as the long-distance gold-medalist army deserter Pan Singh Tomar in Tigmanshu Dhulia's bio-pic has Irrfan Khan huffing and puffing like never before.

"In fact, I pride myself for being quite fit. But playing a gold-medalist marathon runner isn't same thing. I've to get into better shape. And I've to look convincing as a long-distance runner."

There's no half-measures for this method actor. So months before the shooting he's already running long distances between shooting schedules.

"I enjoy working so much. But I need time for myself. And roles like this one for Tigmanshu's film where I play a real-life character require concentrated preparation. So I'm taking time off from August onwards."

While there's too much work on his plate, Irrfan Khan's current crop of films give him a chance to fraternize with some of the most beautiful actresses in the world.

And he just can't get enough of them.

"I shot with Tabu and Natalie Portman for Mira Nair's film. And now I'm shooting with Soha Ali Khan in Dil Kabaddi, a film about sexual politics. And in Billo Barbar Lara Dutta is opposite me, and not Shah Rukh Khan. I just can't get over that, " he jokes.

In addition Priaydarshan's film has guest appearances by Kareena Kapoor, Deepika Padukone and Katrina Kaif. "But wohsaare Shah Rukh ke hissey mein hain," he jokes. So I'm lately surrounded by beautiful women. The thing about beauty is you can't have too much of it."

Irrfan has done his first full-on film on sexual politics."I'm not going to pretend. Dil Kabaddu is a film strictly for adults. And we shouldn't shy away from saying this. It's about dishonesty in man-woman relationships. I call it dishonesty by the standards set by civil society. Sometimes you are not satisfied in one relationship and keep looking for sexual and emotional satisfaction elsewhere.I like playing this promiscuous character."

So kicked was Irrfan by the role of the full-on philanderer in Dil Kabaddi that he swapped roles with Rahul Bose.

"I like the thought of being a man who's sexually adventurous. I haven't played a character like this before."

Playing a philanderer and a marathon runner is certainly taxing. "After these two films I'll really have to stop to catch my breath."