Some of the things that I have been indulging in, besides TV Tennis at Wimbledon, has been, interviews and a dedicated reading of my Fathers works. The interview follows as under -

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I have heard of this from those that wish to plan this event, but I am not sure whether there has been any progress in the matter or any written confirmation given to them. I find it terribly embarrassing to be in such a situation and am very self conscious of it. I cannot, obviously therefore, inform you of what to expect, because quite simply I am not the one planning it !

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This is like pushing me to comment on events which in my consideration, have never seemed worthy of being highlighted at all. However, I would like to believe that from the day I decided to join this wonderful fraternity, to the present times, all that has transpired has been a continuous ‘high’ for me. I look back on my early years with as much disbelief as I do of my years in more recent times. This medium of film has been an extraordinary experience for me. It has given me the gracious opportunity to be in the company of some of the greatest creative talents in this field, to share their accomplishments and to receive along with them my own little inconsequential recognition. It has been the grace of the Almighty, the blessings of my parents and elders, the belief and love of my family and the continued support of my well wishers and fans. I could not have asked for more.

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There are certain things in life that are ordained and no matter how hard you may try to change them through foresight or now in hindsight, they shall continue to be the same. It is best to recognize this factor than battle with it. How can we ever be in a position to say or expect that events would have turned out better handled, when most of us have failed to counter fate. Talking about it now, or even attempting to assess possibilities of an improved circumstance would be a most defeatist temper for any human, I would reckon. I would take greater pride in living through what came my way, than what could have come my way !

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Yes my profession has given me the great opportunity to travel across the world. Well most of it anyway. And yes, I could never have accomplished this had I not been an actor. And yes it has been enjoyable to be in new places, different cities and countries. My best places of course are within India, but I have admired Paris and SanFrancisco and St Petersburgh. London has become almost like an alternate home because of our frequent visits and the presence of so many from our own land within the United Kingdom. New York has been a vibrant experience always. Italy has been breath taking and most mid eastern lands full of warmth and affection. Egypt is very special and Morrocco most gracious. And South Africa.. What can one say. Never experienced anything like this ever again after my first trip on a concert there in 1990. And my visit to the West Indies in 1983, absolutely maddening. Erstwhile Soviet Russia was a revelation. Their love for India and our films was an absolute eye opener. Some of my most dedicated and long lasting fans are from Russia.

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I cannot say that with any authority for now. There are several other attractions in the country to escape to, for the common Indian these days. But yes some years ago cinema – the commercial mainstream version, was indeed escapist in nature. It promised a fantasised India full of color and romance and dance and music; a departure from the hard existence that the common man experienced through out the day. It gave them poetic justice in three hours, when for most, it was never available in a lifetime, or several lifetimes for that matter. The more commercial cinema still pursues with that thought, perhaps with a little more qualitative difference. Though I am not sure it remains the same with its content.

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I enjoy being a part of this escapist cinema. Being a part of this creative process, if the purists can contend with that, is an occupation I enjoy.

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Yes, when the occasion demands, reading and research is the recommended ritual. But I have relied on the maker more. His interpretation of the story, the character and vision. And yes the writer. Them I find the most important ingredient in any produce of cinema.

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No. I do not find myself soo deeply in love with the characters I play, that it would require a process to get rid of them after the film is over. They are, these characters, the object of some other person’s imagination and fantasy and since they are not mine, I do not bring them home or keep them stowed away in a secret coat pocket. I will attempt to do justice to them within my very limited professional means, for the benefit of the film in process. Attaching any other process to it would be quite unnecessary.

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No.

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Fair or unfair treatment by media in any ones’ career needs to be looked at both subjectively and objectively. In a profession such as cinema, these portents, unfortunately get largely diminished because of the uncertainty of the end result. The end result is not within the grasp of the media. The end result is with the audience. Their decision always remains supremely above and conclusively better than any fair or unfair treatment by the fourth estate. Indeed in many ways the media and the creative artist are on the same side of the coin – a factor that, strangely, defies any objectivity ! It is also a factor that defies belief. For two entities that are constantly challenging each other’s conscience and code of conduct, it would seem ridiculous for me to even suggest this. But lets face it, when it comes to putting a confirmative finger on the success or failure of a product, we are both in all honesty, desperately wanting to fluke it. You, for the product to fail if you have assessed it so and we for it to succeed to disprove you. Ours, dear lady, is a marriage of convenience !!

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I will not be able to generalize on this. Adulation in the life of an artist is more an indicator of their public acceptance; its intensity varying according to the popularity he or she enjoys. I would imagine artists are consciously aware of this and have their own little yardstick of its measure. As artists we must all remember that, whereas, adulation is a most welcome and heartening necessity, we must never lose sight of its impermanence, its limited life. Dealing with that phenomena, especially after a long and dedicated period of excessive attention, is a true test of character. Many a great has succumbed from this eventuality and have sadly suffered indignity. Others have been more pragmatic and maintained a significant balance in the belief that nothing lasts forever and have garnered respect in that. Its actually quite interesting to see you use the term ‘addiction’ in this context. I have found the term often being used in the context of drugs and alcohol. Though I must admit the similarity of its reference may not be too far removed !!

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No.

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No.

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Time has a great effect on change. And in the 40 years from 1969, when I started, the speed of change has been more rapid than in the 40 years before 1969. Communication technology advancement has played an integral part in change. Distances and the mystery of the unknown or unseen has virtually disappeared in the realm of cinema and most other spheres. Today the young actor or director is exposed to an enhanced technology and an enhanced desire to excel and compete with the best. In doing so he may have lost sight of the element of meaningful content, present so strongly in the era of 1969. But who am I to say what is meaningful. It was meaningful to us then, it may not be for the generation of today. The era of 1969 must have caused equal pain and resentment to the era before. It is a very natural process. Certainly management principles and accountability to a large extent, has undergone change. Corporatisation as opposed to a momma-poppa run business has had greater approval and acceptance. Quality changes in technique have been imminent. I doubt if my generation would agree that it is the same with content.