Actor Jackie Shroff, who is a proud father these days as his son Tiger is making his Bollywood debut with a Sajid Nadiadwala production, said the newcomer is not under his shadow. Jackie, who has been in the industry for more than three decades and has worked in over 150 films, insists that Tiger is entitled to make his own decisions instead of relying on his father to pave the way for his career.

"Tiger is free to explore the world himself. He is a man whose persona is totally different from what I had during my initial days. There can't be any comparison between the two of us since he is absolutely different." "I was someone who was trying to make it into the world of glamour. On the other hand Tiger has also been an athlete and a sports person. He is making his own choices instead of being under my shadow," Jackie said.

The 52-year-old actor says he doesn't feel the need to suggest anything to Tiger as that's taken care by his manager. "Tiger has a manager who looks after his business and together they decide what he should be doing next. Moreover today's kids are mature enough; they give me suggestions. They are more focused and disciplined than the way we used to be. They know exactly what they want," he added.

Jackie also says he has full faith in Nadiadwala and knows that he will do the best for his son. "I am sure Sajid is going to take good care of Tiger. With him coming in, it is like his own family member being launched. He is a very strong producer and always plays on the front foot."

"He, along with director Sabbir Khan, have assured Tiger of a wonderful launch. Knowing Tiger's dedication to the craft, I am sure he will do well. He respects Sajid the way he respects me," he added. Jackie came from a non-filmy background and started his career with the 1982 film Swami Dada but it was Hero which got him recognition in the industry.

The actor, who has been missing from the big screen for a while now, will soon be seen playing a villain in Yash Raj Films' Dhoom 3 with Aamir Khan. Jackie is happy that he is returning to the production house after a decade. He last worked with them in 1993 release Aaina.

"Aditya (Chopra) just called me out of the blue and informed that he was considering me for Dhoom 3. They asked me to meet the director (Vijay Krishna Acharya) and hear the part I had to play. I liked what he had to narrate and immediately said yes," he said.

Jackie is also excited to work with Aamir, with whom he last worked in the 1995 release Rangeela. "We paired up beautifully in 'Rangeela' and both of us have so many good things to talk about. It is a pleasure just to meet him. He is a younger brother, just like a family to me," Jackie said.