For Congress MP Sunil Dutt, Vidhu Vinod Chopra's production Munnabhai MBBS marks two important points in his life.

It marks his return to celluloid after 14 years. 

It is also the first time he will work with his son, actor Sanjay Dutt, after the latter's debut Rocky (1981).

Sunil Dutt plays a schoolteacher. Gracy Singh of Lagaan costars with Sanjay.

"This comeback was like vanvas. Lord Rama came home after spending 14 years in the jungle. Everyone clapped when I gave my first scene. I was touched by the warmth of the junior artistes. It was a great feeling," Sunil Dutt says on the sets of Munnabhai MBBS.

Raju Hirani, Chopra's former assistant and editor of his last film Mission Kashmir, directs Munnabhai MBBS.

Asked if he found it difficult to act after such a long time, Sunil Dutt says, "A rider can never forget riding, a swimmer never forgets swimming. The same way an actor can never forget acting. My last film was Yeh Aag Kab Bujhegi."

The film is about a small-time tapori (hood) Munnabhai (Sanjay Dutt), who exposes corruption in the medical profession. "I thought of this film when I once went to a hospital in Mumbai. Someone had to undergo heart surgery. But the hospital authorities refused to operate him unless he paid up advance money. I thought that was very inhuman. The script for this film arose from that incident," says Chopra. 

"My father always wanted me to become a doctor," he adds, "because it was considered the most noble profession. But these days, 90 per cent of doctors are crooks. They are looting people which is worse than the underworld."

"I liked the subject," Sunil Dutt said. "People don't make films on such subjects. Moreover, I always like the honesty and sincerity of Vidhu Vinod Chopra's films. I am grateful he selected me to do this film."

How does it feel working with his son? "I don't meet him [Sanjay] for months sometimes. It's good I am doing this film with him. I will meet him more often! He is a very good actor and can do all kinds of roles. I hope he cooperates with me on this film."

Dutt said the film will not hinder his politics. Shooting, he explains, will take two days a week. He plans to devote the rest of the week to politics.