Not that Shatrughan Sinha has allowed Salman Khan to launch his daughter Sonakshi as a leading lady in Arbaaz Khan directorial Dabangg, the brawny star is taking his duty as the protective guardian very seriously.

Thankfully for him, the burden of carrying the star-daugter on his able shoulders is much lighter now as Sonakshi has slimmed down from 90 kg to 60 kg. Salman has been giving her step-by-step advice on her career. He has not only advised Sonakshi to lose more weight, he has also told her not to do too many films at the same time.

How did she manage to lose so much? "It took two years of hard work, determination and will power. It was a combination of proper diet and vigorous exercise that got me to the shape, " she says, "I did weight training four to five times a week along with cardio. I eat small meals every three hours to keep me going."

Sonakshi plays a village girl in the film and has been doing her homework to prepare for the character.

"Other than working on my weight, I've been preparing by observing people and trying to pick up nuances. I play a village girl who is dabangg (fearless) in nature. Also, my director, Abhinav, and I have been rehearsing the script so that I am prepared once on the sets, "she tells.

Dad Shhotgun is bowled over by Salman's concern for her daughter.

"Salman understands the way to work better than we did. So we have full faith in him. He is making sure Sonakshi has the best possible launch. I allowed her to get into films on his persistence and Salman has taken upon himself the responsibility to make sure she emerges from her debut with our family name and her dignity intact, " said Shatru.

Sonakshi starts shooting for her debut film Dabangg on November 6 opposite Salman Khan.