'Though on a personal level it was tough, on a professional level it was ironic... when I left the place, I used to hate the politicians... and when I returned I was playing one for the film. It was a homecoming, but a lot of things have changed,' he explained.

In just released 'Sikandar', Sanjay plays a Kashmiri politician who is brokering peace between religious leaders, military leaders and political organisations.

'I was excited to do the part the moment I was offered the role by director Piyush Jha and what helped me was that I was from the region. On the script level, Piyush also took suggestions from me,' he added.

Set in Jammu and Kashmir, 'Sikandar' centres on a teenage boy who dreams of playing football at the national level, and his friend. Things take an unexpected turn when he finds a gun on the road. The film has received mixed reviews.

Asked if there were any tensions while shooting the film in the Valley, Sanjay replied to the contrary, but added: 'In fact, when we wrapped up and left Kashmir, the Amarnath issue started and later there were problems.'