It is almost five years since you launched your company, Popcorn Entertainment. Are you happy being behind the camera?
I am loving it. At least for me the job of a producer does not stop with pumping in the money. I am involved with a film from the scripting stage to the music to the editing to post-production. And that is very thrilling for me.

The first film Sanjay Dutt started shooting for when he came out of prison was your home production EMI. Is it because of you being his very close friend?
More than that, I would give the credit to the script and the part. It will be Sanju’s best role till date.

What are the kind of films your company is producing?
I believe in cinema that sugarcoats a message with entertainment. EMI that releases this April is based on bank loans and their recovery. In July releases Mission Istanbul which is on terrorism and gives an insight into the mind of a terrorist, Mumbai Chakachak is a hilarious take-off on the cleanliness drive in the city, Little Godfather is based on the train blasts that took place in the city and so on …

Are you acting in any films you are producing?
Except for Mission Istanbul where I am doing a cameo, I am not acting in any of the 15 films I am producing. I would not like my co-stars to be affected by my presence.

From his stint in jail to his marriage to Maanyata, you have always been there as a solid support to Sanjay Dutt.
I would say that it is the other way round! It is Baba who has always been there for me. Whenever any filmmaker approaches him with a film the first thing he says is “Take Anna”, meaning me.

You are co-producing Mission Istanbul with Ekta Kapoor. Are there any more co-productions in the pipeline?
Ekta Kapoor has delivered and how! Once when she was asked with whom she would like to co-produce a film with, she said “Suniel Shetty”! I was truly touched! After this, we are co-producing seven films together!

Was Sanjay’s reported price hike to 14 crores on your insistence?
I do guide Baba, as he is quite naïve, and hence tends to get exploited. I want him to get his market price, something that even I make a point to give him.

What are the future plans for your company?
Slowly and definitely I am mastering the art of production with my partners Pammi Sandhu and Shabbir Ahluwalia. I am also keen to open my own studio, for which I have already seen some land in Panvel. After The Biggest Loser I want to produce another reality show. Ekta and I have already thought about it.

Will you turn director too?
No way! I run a 2000-crore company…I think I make a good producer!