Almost a year after he walked out free from Pune's Yerwada Jail, Sanjay Dutt is a busy man. From participating in his twins' daily activities to planning for his production house, Sanju Baba has his plate full. Come January 2017, the actor will be back in the studio, shooting for a father-daughter action-drama titled Bhoomi. Sanjay talks to BT about what lies ahead. Excerpts:

You'll start shooting for your comeback film in January 2017. What's on your mind?
I am really excited about Bhoomi which will be directed by Omung Kumar. It took me long to decide my comeback vehicle. Finally, I chose this film because apart from an impressive and dramatic father-daughter story laced with realistic action, I'll be collaborating with a great team.

Omung has made good films.
Sarbjit and Mary Kom were impressive. Bhoomi largely dwells on the journeys of a teenager and her father. It's a story I could relate to.

You were offered action films and a few dramatic ones also, right?
Yes. A lot of action films came my way but they wouldn't have satisfied the actor in me. This movie has so much for the common man to connect with. It just felt like the right project to reboot my career with.

Are you anxious about returning to cinema?
It has been a while since I shot for a film, but acting is like riding a cycle, driving a car or swimming. You don't forget these things. I know it will be an emotional moment on the first day of shoot in Agra. I am looking forward to it.

Have you started preparing for the role?
I've started working out. I'm yet to discuss the look of my character with Omung, but I'm even game for a salt-and-pepper look if he wants one.

How much do you plan to draw from your experiences as a father to two daughters?
Fathers and daughters share a special bond, sons are closer to their mothers. I have seen my sisters, Priya and Namrata, with my dad. Trishala and little Iqra have a funny but amazing equation with me. And to answer your question, I will try to incorporate as many of my experiences with them in the film as I can.

You've played a father before. How different is it this time around?
It's going to be more believable. I have played Hrithik Roshan's dad in Mission Kashmir (2000) but this time, it feels more correct. The space I'm trying to explore as an actor is the kind that Denzel Washington and Kevin Costner occupy in the West.

What happened to Marco Bhau, which was supposed to be your comeback film?
There was an issue with the script and Vidhu Vinod Chopra wasn't too happy with it. So, we've put it on hold for now but once he's satisfied, we'll start shooting.