You have had a long career in the movies.
My first film was in 1946. That's why I wrote the book. This is a very unusual, long career, probably the only kind in the world. I came to Bombay in 1943. I joined the movie world in 1945. I am talking of pre-Independence days. There was no Pakistan that time. So, my journey, my own growth has been with all the phases of India.
How has the Indian film industry evolved since then?
The film industry cannot change and cannot evolve also -- except, times have changed.
But isn't evolution unavoidable?
I know, times are different. There's globalisation, more televisions, and more people on this planet. Moviemaking is a creative art and it continues the same way as 50 years back. Your brain makes good films. Movies are about human relationships, and human relationships do not change. Cameras have changed. Lenses are slightly better. Bigger money, bigger approach, bigger contacts, bigger reach. That's it.
But now there are all kinds of influences.
They are bringing in outside influences. We are also giving out our influences. Today, Indian movies are being recognised all over the world. These people see our dances, music and they feel very pleased. It was not so earlier.
Tamil star Simbu [Silambarasan] recently told me he produces two kinds of films, one for the audience in India and one for 'Hollywood people', meaning English movies.
Look at some of our films filled with love and dance and how such musical films are loved and admired by the Western audiences also now. It is silly to say you make films for Indians and you make films for the English-speaking audience separately. You are an international guy but your emotions are universal. If you want to delete some songs for the Western audience, you can do so, but why do you want to make a separate movie altogether? It is silly. >
You are an Indian, living in Ontario. The story is the same. There's an Indian flavour in you and some local flavor. My script is the same.
How do you look back on 1946, when you began your career?
I was young. I was growing up. I was happy the country became independent. I was learning then and I am learning even now.
Also Read: When Dev Anand lost Zeenat to Raj Kapoor
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