Mithun Chakraborty recently played billionaire dad in ‘Housefull 2′. In real life, Mithun has not one but four kids. When we met up with him for a chat, family was one of the topics of discussion.

Who is the most obedient of your children?
I have four kids, all very obedient. They like to follow our instructions, not because of some compulsion, but by choice. Moreover, we are not strict parents. I prefer to remain their friend. They all address me as Mithun. I am scared of my daughter. She bosses over me if I do not take enough care of myself. Whenever I am home, she will hand over a big menu list and I have to be in the kitchen all day to prepare the dishes they want. But I am a foodie and love to cook and watching them relish food cooked by me is a pleasure.

We hear your son Mahakshay’s ‘Tukka Fit’ is all set for release. Did you approve the final print?
(Laughs) The director Shawn Aranha has done a good job. This film happens to be his first comedy film but I liked the theme. Also, he has extracted the best out of Mahakshay. I am nobody to approve the final print. But yes, when some suggestions are sought, I offer my advice. I am sure he has improved. He is a good dancer and his hard work will pay off. I told him from the time of his first film that only work can speak for you.

Heroines reportedly refused to work with Mahakshay. What was your reaction?
Well, everyone is free to choose the film they want to do. They refused because they probably have their own problems. It is not that they did not want to work with Mahakshay. All is fair in this profession. We do not like to work under any pressure, especially since this is a creative medium. ‘Dil se kaam karna chahiye, bhai.’ I too did not get recognition with my very first film. It took some films for me to prove my worth. Mahakshay’s previous film garnered good reviews for him, both from audiences and critics. He is working hard and success will come to him.

How much do you guide him?
As a father, I do advise him but I don’t like to pressurise him. He is a cool boy and has the capacity to choose the right films. I only ask him to go on doing his job sincerely. I also advise him to be humble and never let pride overrule his mind.

When will we see Mithun with Mahakshay on screen together?
We will be seen together in our next venture ‘Enemy’. The post-production work is being completed. After that, we are planning another romantic comedy film together. Given modern day stresses, I think comedy films give audiences a few moments of relief and it is like ‘paisa vasool’ for them.

Speaking of comedies, how was it like working on ‘Housefull 2′?
After working with Sajid Khan I feel he was born a comedian. One evening, I was worried I’d be late to attend an event for ‘Tukka Fit’ and was rushing around. He snatched away my watch and said ‘bolna ghadi nahi thi mere paas’. His hilarious ways make you love him more. Akki was no less. We enjoyed his jokes on the sets. He would make a comment so seriously that we would believe him. It was a laugh riot shooting with these ‘dhurandars’.

How do you manage to maintain your charm?
(Laughs) I don’t do anything special. My breakfast and lunch have to be sumptuous. But for dinner I just eat ice creams and nothing else. Also, I ingest a lot of liquid. I also regularly perform my simple exercises in the gym in my bungalow. That keeps me fit and fine.

How has cinema changed from when you played leading man to now?
Today’s generation is very professional. Not that we were not, but there was an emotional side to our professionalism. ‘Aaj ki generation bahut hard working hai’ and they worry about their future. They will reject or accept anything if they foresee their benefit in it, unlike us who would be ready to oblige friends. Cinema is the same, only technically it has improved. 3D has come in and it is for the good. The scripts could be sleeker.