He impressed one and all as the vicious Lothiya Pathan in the 1988 blockbuster "Tezaab", and actor Kiran Kumar, son of late character actor Jeevan, feels that with cinema turning realistic, characters like Mogambo and Gabbar Singh are not being created any more.

His father was one of the popular villains in his time and his style of dialogue delivery and guffaw is still remembered. He is known for his roles in films like "Waqt", "Amar Akbar Anthony" and "Dharam-Veer", among others.

"My father and Pran uncle were experts in a style because that kind of acting was popular at that time, but that style has gone away. They don't create people like Gabbar Singh or Mogambo any more. Every actor today is playing a realistic character, " he said.

Over a career spanning 30 years, Kiran has not only acted in films like "Teezab", "Khuda Gawah" and "Pyar Kiya Toh Darna Kya" but has also carved a niche for himself in television with shows like "Aandhi", "Miilee, " and "Grishasti".

The actor believes the film and television industry has evolved over the years.

"In today's world, everything is evolving, improving, and new ideas are being probed. Cinema has become realistic and it's a great time for the film and TV industry as well, " said Kiran, who is back on the small screen after a two-year break with Sony's "Chajje Chajje Ka Pyaar".

"As a matter of fact, actors of our age have so much of work on television that they can choose what they want, " he added.

Kiran says he shared a great camaraderie with his dad.

"I had a great relationship with my dad, and we were great friends. We discussed everything under the sun, he used to tell me how he used to handle situations, but then he used to tell me to handle situations in my own way, " Kiran said.

"He felt that one should always learn and discover on his own, instead of someone else forcing a point. This is the same thing that I am doing with my son too, " he added.

Kiran is married to Gujarati actress Sushma Verma and has two children - Vikas and Srishti. Vikas is currently assisting director David Dhawan and would soon be making his acting debut.

"The fact that he is my son or grandson of Jeevan, does not give him the right to claim that 'I'll become an actor'. It requires a lot of hard work, sincerity and honesty.

"I feel that before you become an actor, it's very important that you know all the aspects of filmmaking. Once you are an assistant director, you are open to learn so many things...I am sure he will live up to the family's name, " he added.

During his two-year break from television, Kiran was busy shooting for "Yeh Faasley". He has also completed the shooting of an international film "Love Has No Language", which stars Rati Agnihotri.

The actor is currently busy writing a movie script.