"Or rather, I can't be both. I'll either be a producer or an actor. I'll never act in a film I produce," says Sunil, and actual has said 'no' to a plum role in Apoorva Lakhia's film on international terrorism.

Sunil says, "Apoorva came to sign me as an actor for fantastic role in Mission Istanbul. But when I heard the script I offered to produce the film for him."

When asked if it is common pratice for an actor to relinquish a fantasic role and opt to spend crores of money instead on producing the picture, he laughs, "My company Popcorn Entertainment has to grow and for that I need to sign good writers and directors. I'll produce Apoorva's Mission Istanbul. Earlier I had said no to a role in Priyadarshan's Bhagam Bhag. I wanted Govinda to do the role and offered to produce the film instead."

The actor side of Sunil feels Shootout At Lokhandwala is a new beginning for him. "I'm so happy that my role has shaped up well. People like my toughie's act and my banter with Arbaaz Khan. I remember Apoorva had called me in the US to step into the role at the eleventh hour when Arjun Rampal had decided to opt out. I immediately agreed because I had implicit faith in both Sanjay Gupta and Apoorva Lakhia. I just told Apu, 'I've been let down many times. Please don't let me down again.' He promised he won't. And he kept his word. After working with him in Shootout...I know he can deliver the goods."