Fifty years in the film industry... How are you celebrating?

I am not celebrating... All of a sudden, I was reminded by my people that it’s been 50 years in the film industry. So I thought let’s do something... We are launching a film with Bobby (Deol) and me on January 4. It’s called Cheers and is the story about a father and son. How the son is uneasy about his father initially and then the two become very good friends... something like that. It’s being directed by Sangeeth Sivan, who made Apna Sapna Money Money..?, and will also star Sharmila Tagore in an important role.

If you were to sum these 50 years, how would you do it?

Lamhe bhar mein guzar gayee yeh panchaas saal... The 50 years seemed to have passed by in one moment (laughs). When I think of these 50 years, I go back and remember how I started. How I came to Mumbai... It’s been quite a journey. I remember when I saw the likes of Dilip Kumar and Suraiyya on the big screen, I thought, who are they? What world is this? This world seems so nice... all the heroes and heroines are so good. I started thinking how I can be with them. Suddenly one day, when I was preparing for my Matric exam, I told my mom about my desire. She said: “Don’t talk about films, your father will not only throw you out but also throw me out of our house.” I was a bit disappointed but my mother said why don’t you send some applications. I couldn’t tell her at that time that applications and all don’t work here and I have to go to Mumbai and try my luck. But God must have heard my mother’s voice. Suddenly there was some application form for new talent. I filled that, I got selected... that was in 1958 and that is how 2008 makes it 50 years.

Have the 50 years really been as magical as the start?

Everybody from Bimal Roy to Guru Dutt took my audition. Bimal Roy cast me in Bandini. That was the turning point. I went on... The first 10 years were really great... The next 10 and the next 10... they were all very good. Around 1993-1994, I started slipping down... Acting is my beloved... I never took it as a profession. Had I taken it as a profession, I would have been in all the media coverage everywhere. To me it’s my beloved. And what happens with your beloved? Kabhi woh rooth jaati hai, toh main mana leta hoon; kabhi main rooth jaata hoon, toh woh mana leti hai... All of a sudden, she was a little uneasy with me, angry with me. In 2007, again she held my hand with the film Apne. Then there was Metro and Johnny Gaddaar. So, it’s again a beginning and I won’t make her uneasy any more. It will always be my beloved from now on.

Your next release is Har Pall with Jahnu Barua...

Jahnu Barua’s gestures and style of direction reminded me of Bimalda. He goes very deep into the subject. It’s very easy to work with him. I really enjoyed working with him. I told him that I feel like I am with Bimalda. I shot for around 10 days with him. It’s not a very lengthy role but one of the most important characters in the film.

Are you taking creative interest in all the productions of Vijeta Films?

We have started afresh now. We are currently shooting a film with Sunny called The Man. The next film will be Cheers. We plan to make two to three films every year.

Your last production Chamku was a letdown...

Let me be frank with you. I didn’t like the script of Chamku at all. They had already started the film. I couldn’t stop my sons. They somehow liked the idea. But when I met the director (Kabeer Kaushik) I felt that this gentleman will not be able to make a proper film. I told my sons iska result toh mujhe achha nazar nahin aa raha... Now they are saying, Papa you really have good judgment. They couldn’t do anything at that time. The film flopped. Any way... now I am looking into everything in detail. The Man is a very good script and Cheers is also a beautiful relationship between father and son... where the son says in the end: “I am proud to be your son, my father.”

Do you feel special that even at this age people are writing roles with you in mind?

I feel, I am worth something. I should be careful now. After Apne, I realised so many people still love me so much. I shouldn’t let them down again. I am very active now and I am putting all my effort into this. I also plan to start a studio and a health resort in Lonavla, where I have a farm. That is a dream.