Known for his brawny and perfectly chiseled physique, B-town hunk John Abraham is soon to shed the muscle for his forthcoming film Balaji’s 'Shootout at Wadala'.

The actor who never fails to figure in the list of country’s hottest men has been asked to shed 20 kilos to play the infamous gangster Manya Surve in the film based on the Mumbai Police’s first-ever registered encounter.

Currently on a strict diet of fish, sushi, protein shakes, juices and soups – John will appear lean in the first half of the film and gradually develop a more muscular build towards the climax.

Confirms John, "Manya Surve has to look really lean in the first 20 minutes of the film, till he gets into jail and starts working out. So there is an actual physical transformation my character goes through in the film."

As easy as it may appear, John who underwent an acute muscle malfunction last year is painstakingly keeping to his diet and workout regime, designed by trainer Vinod Channa. "At times I feel like breaking down. People always talk about losing weight but it is a very difficult process. If not supervised properly, it can go really wrong. But thankfully my trainer Vinod Channa has been religiously working with me on it," adds John.

Directed by Sanjay Gupta, Balaji’s 'Shootout at Wadala' also starring Anil Kapoor and Kangana Ranaut goes on floors this March, 2012.