How did the idea for a music album come about?
Times Music suggested it. They knew I was already working with children, and they thought it a good idea to get me to cut an album with them. Of course, at first I expressed my reservations about being able to sing, but then I thought of how this concept could work to my advantage. I said I was willing to do it provided the company let the proceeds go to charity. They were game. Then it didn't matter whether I could sing well or not as long as the children benefited. The album has turned out cute, though, and repeat orders are coming in.

What is the kind of music you have done?
Everything from Hindi, English and Hinglish to samba, rap, the works! But all the songs have a message. We are talking about important things, like relationships, Raksha Bandhan, about health, hygiene, cleanliness, moral values, etc. Jantar Mantar is educative besides being entertaining. I would say it's a perfect mix.

I spent a lot of time on it, too. I participated in every stage of production, not just the recording. Music director Anand Raj Anand and songwriter Deepak Chaudhary have also done a lot of hard work.

The proceeds go to underprivileged children?
That's right. To schools for the blind, cancer patients and orphans. I am always ready to help institutions doing good work for children. Even if another genuine proposal were to come up, I'd be willing to contribute to it.

How do you ascertain whether a proposal is genuine or not?
Oh, I make sure it is! In that sense, I am better at business than many other organisations are! I am aware of the fact that people may exploit me to further their selfish ends, so I work with reputed organisations. That is why I agreed to this proposal from Times Music, because their's is a reputed organisation and I am sure the money will reach the beneficiaries. After all, one does these things from the heart and spends around 20-25 days a year.

Why specifically children?
Pleasure! Kids have no concept of good or evil. For them, everything is positive, life is to live for! Also, you see results faster. I have been working with children suffering from cancer, and because kids are strong, you can see them recover faster. You've got to talk to them earnestly and tell them to think positive. They will listen intently, and actually think positive. Whereas older people would probably say yes to your face, but smirk after you were gone. Children think straight from the heart!

You also allow underprivileged children a free run of your entertainment organisation?
Yes. But it's not such a big thing! Astro Mischief has three establishments in the city: at Hughes Road, Mulund and Matunga. If any social service organisation informs us 24 hours in advance that they want to bring in some kids, we make all the arrangements. In fact, we have regular events at Astro Mischief on November 14, when around 600 underprivileged children come and have a whale of a time! We take them into a different world!

And you are there when they come?
Always. I make it a point to be there.

How do your own children react to this?
Oh, they love it! They are very happy when people tell them their papa's doing good work. I am always conscious of the fact that what I do will reflect on my children. Which is why I keep my head on my shoulders and am approachable.