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`I wanted to be Rajesh Khanna'

PHOTO: K. RAMESH BABU

He hates being called an `angrez.' As an actor, theatre personality, master of ceremonies, sports commentator and writer, Tom Alter is more Indian than many of us.

His knowledge of Hindi and Urdu, of Indian culture and art is amazing. She didn't quite make a dream debut in Bollywood, but that didn't perturb Juhi Babbar. As daughter of Raj and Nadira Babbar, she began charting a career of her own.

The two were in Hyderabad recently to take part in `Intehaa', a recital of Ghalib's poetry organised by the Concern India Foundation. They also took time off for a Take Two where they shared their interests, experiences and thoughts.

Mangala Ramamoorthy listened in.

Tom: You might remember that we first met at a college function in Bandra, Mumbai, where we were judges for a poetry competition. That was some four or five years ago. And since we shared a passion for Urdu and poetry, I always wanted to work with you.

Juhi: Yes, I do remember when we first met. But it is difficult to keep in touch with someone like you who doesn't carry a mobile phone.

Tom: Talking about Intehaa, I think the concept was unique. It gave me an opportunity to understand Ghalib better.

But I must give the audience 75 per cent of the credit for having come with such an open mind. We just hope we contributed to the good work done by Concern India. Okay, I've now given you a long lecture and not allowed you to talk, just like during the poetry recitation.

Juhi: (laughs) It's me who chose not to talk much that day.

And that's because I love listening to you. Anyway, though I have done a lot of theatre, this experience was new to me and I enjoyed every bit of it. You know, I came to this city last in 2005 for my play, which we performed at Chowmahalla palace.

I told my mom that the Hyderabad and the Lucknow audience were much more knowledgeable about Urdu and poetry than any other city.

Tom: (nods in agreement) Yeah, that's true. They understand the intricacies, but that also means you have to be very conscious while performing in front of them.

They can easily spot mistakes. You know, that evening after the show, a man came up to me and insisted that the word wasn't nabs, but nibas. I ignored him, as I didn't understand what he was talking about.

But when I went back to my room I remembered I had used that word while translating the last poem during the show, so I immediately checked the dictionary and yes, the man was right. I felt bad I didn't acknowledge him. It was a lesson for me.

Juhi: Believe me, I have not seen anyone who is more Hindustani than you are. You know so much about Indian culture.

Youngsters like me have a lot to learn from you.

Tom: (all smiles) I had the opportunity to work with your mother Nadiraji during the play Begam Jaan and since I wasn't brought up in a theatrical environment like you, it was a fantastic experience to work in a theatre group which is totally absorbed in that art.

Juhi: Films take you to a different level, but it's only theatre that actually allows you to mix with the audience.

Tom: I am sorry, I've never seen any film of yours.

Juhi: It's all right. I've not done many because I don't get good ones.

I remember when I was a kid, Doordarshan used to telecast a film every Sunday. I will not tell you how old I was then. (Starts laughing) There was this film in which you played a soldier.

I don't remember the name, but I remember my mom telling me, `See this man and listen to his language carefully'. That was my first introduction to Tom Alter.

Tom: I really admired your father more than your mother. He came from this place called Tundla near Agra, where I had a few friends.

I loved the way he acted in Maya Memsaab. Talking about my entry into films... when I came to the film institute in Pune, theatre was not on my mind.

I came with the dream of becoming Rajesh Khanna.

Juhi: (Bursts out laughing) Tom, I know you have great interest in cricket.

Tom: Yes, as a kid, my brother and I played a lot of cricket in our four-acre home in Mussoorie.

I feel sport is the best form of self expression. There are no sports I have not tried my hands at. Cricket, as the king of games, had its attraction. Now, Juhi, tell me about your film career.

Juhi: Because of my upbringing, I cannot do many things that have become necessary in films these days.

I choose my roles carefully, but unfortunately I don't get too many of the right ones.

But recently, I did a Punjabi film with Jimmy Shergill that did well, but even there I started getting similar roles. Let me see what comes my way.

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