MUMBAI: Actor Jackie Shroff, who has worked in nearly 150 films and played diverse roles, now plays spiritual leader Sai Baba in a forthcoming movie. And he even quit smoking and drinking to get into the skin of the character.

“I have quit smoking and drinking for the last one-and-a-half years and plan to continue with it in the future too,” Jackie said.

The actor has also turned completely vegetarian. Jackie admits that he was initially apprehensive about getting into the role of the spiritual guru for the film titled Malik Ek. “Initially, when director Deepak Balraj Vij had approached me with the project, I did not agree as I thought playing Sai Baba would not be possible for me. But the constant persuasion from the director made me say yes and then I never looked back,” said Jackie.

Jackie, who is also an ardent follower of the spiritual guru, said, “Now I feel as if Baba is guiding me in the film and I am only following his instructions.” Malik Ek is slated for an October release.