IN CONVERSATION
Evergreen at 80
|
With the Dadasaheb Phalke Award under his belt, Bollywood's "Gregory Peck" speaks about his zest for life and his first love, films.
|
With Waheeda Rehman in "Kala Bazar".
At 80, Dev Anand, still the debonair, evergreen hero of the Hindi cinema, is not happy that he is being flooded with "Lifetime Achievement" awards. "My life time achievements are not complete," he maintains. After more than three months in the United States working on scripts for his two new films, Dev Anand flew back to Mumbai and agreed to a chat. Excerpts from his exclusive interview with V. GANGADHAR.
More than three months in the U.S. is a long period to be away from home
I agree, but there was so much to be done. My next film, "Song of Life" in English is a musical meant for an international audience.
The Ravi Shankar family was not pleased you were making a film on their life, without consulting them.
I read about it. That is not true. My film is about music and has nothing to do with Ravi Shankar or any individual musician.
Have you clarified this point to the family?
I could not meet them when I was in the U.S. The lives of great people have a sense of universality; traditional copyright laws cannot bind them.
Do you have a financial partner?
No. A partner means I lose my independence. Perhaps I may get sponsors. A good musical has tremendous scope in the U.S. — TV shows, music videos, cassettes and so on. Of course, it is new to me but I know the system and experienced people are helping me. Doing so many new things keeps me alive and ticking. It is so exciting
You are 80. How do you view aging, does the process frighten you?
So many people called to wish me when I turned 80. Frankly, I did not even think about it. When you think of age and getting old, you get frightened. But I have so much to do, I love my work, I am running against time. There is no time to think of age.
The tendency among most old people is to talk nostalgically about the "Good Old days". What makes you different?
I am writing my memoirs and the only time I think of my past is when I write. But when I work on my movies, it is for the present, leading to the future.
Dev Anand, the "evergreen" hero is one of the most loved persons in the film world. Any comments?
I am flattered you think so. But I know there are plenty of people who laugh at me, ridicule me, and advise me to retire. Why is he still making films and play leading roles in them, they ask.
You will agree that versatility is the key to an actor's greatness. In your case, you have always chosen to play urban characters. No farmers, no dacoits, no prince or mythological character. Was it out of choice?
You must also consider what the audience wants from you. I think I have played an amazing variety of urban characters — cricketer, lawyer, doctor, architect, policeman, thief, pickpocket, gambler, editor... that is enough variety. I would not be comfortable playing a villager or a farmer
Do you think the secular image of the Hindi film industry is sullied with many actors joining the BJP and supporting leaders like Narendra Modi?
I don't think so. There are enough actors to support other parties. Since the BJP is in power, perhaps, more people deviate to it. The follow-the-leader approach favoured the Congress when it was Number One.
How do you react to the violence in the country over the "Sons of the Soil" concept?
The "Sons of the Soil" theory is being misused to garner votes. With so much poverty and unemployment, it has become an emotional issue. I am a son of the soil in Mumbai, having arrived here in 1943. Can anyone challenge that?
Like many Bollywood stars, you are friendly with Bal Thackeray. Does that mean you subscribe to the Shiv Sena's political philosophy?
Mr. Thackeray is a good friend, but I keep away from his politics, in fact, any kind of politics. We do not meet all that frequently and I am not a member of any party or group.
What is the secret behind your cheerfulness, what kind of routine do you follow?
Nothing in excess. This had been my routine for several years.
Do you patronise the same tailor? Your way of dressing has caused quite a few comments.
(Smiles): I love good clothes, and why not? My style of dressing is my own. What you wear must suit you and your personality.
Printer friendly
page
Send this article to Friends by
E-Mail
Magazine
