Nana Patekar with Mallika Sherawat in Welcome

Hear it from the blunt and boisterous Nana Patekar, whose blockbuster Krantiveer will now have a sequel and who hates being in crowded cities these days...

You live in a beautiful farmhouse in Pune. How do you feel coming back to Mumbai?

I don’t feel like coming to Mumbai.

Why?

I am scared of crowds. I don’t mind crowds in my films but it makes me uncomfortable in real life. The Mumbai of 1965-66 was completely different from today’s Mumbai. This Mumbai is not mine. I am scared to walk on the roads today.

A sequel to your 1990s blockbuster Krantiveer is coming up...

My main reason for doing Krantiveer was not money. I did the film because of its strong message. The film talked about the situation prevalent at that time and the riots that were happening. I feel bad because the situation has not improved even today; and, as a result, a film like that has to be made again. It’s sad.

Why do you think the circumstances have not changed and who is responsible?

You, I, everyone… we are provoked to do wrong things.

How do you think we can make a difference?

If we don’t fulfill our duties as citizens then this is going to continue. Fortunately, now the elections are approaching. It’s our duty to vote and choose the right candidate to represent us. A person who doesn’t vote will be the biggest culprit. If you think election day is a holiday and you are going to just sit at home and relax, then you have no right to crib and blame others in future.

Which party are you supporting?

I don’t support any party. I will vote for the right person and I have not decided who it is yet. I don’t even know who is contesting the elections from my constituency — Matunga, Mumbai.

What is the strongest memory you have of Krantiveer?

I remember the time when it was shot very clearly. I don’t want those circumstances to happen again. That time there was so much tension between Hindus and Muslims. I hope it doesn’t happen again. We will have to accept the fact that we have to live together our entire lives. We should live in the same spirit of brotherhood as we did earlier.

And what do you have to say about your Krantiveer co-star, Dimple Kapadia?

Mera purana dost hai Dimple (laughs).

But why are you not a part of the Krantiveer’s sequel...

I will only do a role if it’s good and an integral part of the film and if it excites me.

Do you think films mirror society?

There are different kinds of film — some are realistic, some are semi realistic, some are slapstick. A film like A Wednesday talks about the common man’s agony today.

What agonises you the most?

When we hit each other. The main problem is poverty and population but nobody is paying attention to that. At times, they say population is our strength. That amazes me.

Ek released recently. What kind of response have you got for the film?

I don’t know. Once my dubbing is over, I just forget my film. I just unwind and get into another role.

What is happening with Horn Ok Pleassss?

The film is very well made. It’s stuck due to the recession.

What kind of roles inspire you today?

I would have loved to be a part of A Wednesday. But such films are not made very often.

Which is your dream role?

I wanted to do Bhagat Singh’s role but I can’t do it now.

Why?

Bhagat Singh died for the country when he was in his twenties. I think I am a little too old for that now!