Mumbai, Jan 29 (IANS): Salman Khan is considered a fitness icon in Bollywood, but the superstar says that he had to fight a “fitter” villain, played by newcomer Haroon Kazi, in his recent film "Jai Ho".

The two used to work out together in the gym where Salman, 48, noticed the hard work put in by the newcomer Haroon, who was spotted at the gym by his brother Sohail Khan -- also the director of "Jai Ho".

"We both trained together on the sets and before the film. When I met Haroon the second time, a month after the first (meeting), I found that he was working out to tone his physique more. And I had to fight a villain who was fitter," Salman said in a statement.

But, it was not easy for Haroon to beat up the superstar. The actor, who won the Gladrags Manhunt in 2000, said that he worked out a lot and also added that Salman's "home-cooked" food helped him in achieving a fit body.

"On the sets, Salman bhai used to share his home cooked diet food with me. The brown rice and boiled chicken ensured that my diet didn't go haywire. It also helped me perform better in the scenes," Haroon said.

The film, which also features Tabu and newcomer Daisy Shah, has received mixed reviews at the box office so far.