Milan Luthria’s directorial ‘Once Upon A Time in Mumbai’ will be coming to a close of its shooting in January. Bannered under Balaji Motion Pictures, the film revolves around the sixties era, the period when underworld was just stepping into Mumbai. Ajay Devgn plays an underworld don, Sultan who is challenged by Shoaib, played by Emraan Hashmi.

Here, one can see a new Emraan who has worked not only over his character specially but also his image. The actor is said to have undergone three months strict exercise and diet regime. Explaining about his charcter, Emraan said, “Shoaib is very ambitious, can do anything to get what he wants, he’s a fiery personality.” The actor had worked diligently to achieve the character image as the director had perceived. “He told me I should look tough which extends beyond just having six-pack abs. It was about beefing up but keeping it lean too,” Emraan recalled.

Finally, Milan Luthria was quited awed with the actor’s commitment and work result. The director stated that Emraan is quietly determined, as intensely passionate as a Hrithik or an Aamir when it comes to his work. Said Milan, “I was keen to have an actor who could match up to as well as be a foil to Ajay. Emraan has been tagged as a serial-kisser and as a sex symbol but with this film, I’m hoping to be the one who can push him to a different level.”

The director further went on to shared that, “The biggest element of surprise will be the looks and performances of each of the actors, be it Ajay or Kangna. As for Emraan, the audience will see a deeper dimension in his performance.” ‘Once Upon A Time in Mumbai’ also has Kangana Ranaut and Prachi Desai and the shooting will wrap up by January. The film is expected to be out in May-June 2010.