Dev Patel and Anil Kapoor in Slumdog Millionaire

How would you describe your experience at the Golden Globes, where Slumdog Millionaire bagged several awards?

Every artiste dreams of getting a worldwide platform, and the world seeing him and his work. It is my good luck that I’m a part of this film, albeit in a small way. When we reached the awards venue, I thought that I have landed in Delhi or Mumbai because the people were shouting, “Slumdog, Slumdog”. At first, I didn’t know from where the voices were coming but then I saw a throng of about a thousand people. The world press was there too. I met Dev and Freida there — everyone has loved Dev-Freida and the kids in the film. The film belongs to the six kids; they have provided the film with the magic which senior actors like us couldn’t.

How would you review Dev Patel’s work?

He is the protagonist of Slumdog Millionaire. The three actors who play the character at different stages of his life are all phenomenal. I was speechless after watching the film at the London Film Festival. We both were a bit nervous initially because it was his first feature film and my first English film, though I had come with a lot of experience behind me. We got along very well. (Director) Danny Boyle also told me to help Dev out in whatever and whichever way I could. He had to play a slum boy and because I’ve had a personal experience in the slums and have done films like Mashaal, I could identify with his role.

At the Globes, you got a chance to interact with the cream of Hollywood; how did they react to the film?

They all loved the film and they want to come to India; they want to see India and shoot here too.

What kind of future do you see for Indian films in the international arena?

The way the government and the media have supported the movie, the next time we will probably meet in London or LA for an interview. But for that, you need to think globally and with an open mind.

Amitabh Bachchan had raised some points about the movie on his blog. How would you react to that?

India is a democratic country and each one has his opinion on it. I agree as well as disagree with his views.

Do you think in a way the film has exploited our poverty to appeal to the West?

There has been a lot of discussion over this, already. Mother India was made by Mehboob Khan and was nominated to the Oscars. It was about a poor peasant’s family. Here (in Slumdog Millionaire) at least we have also shown the rich; but in Mother India, the characters were in dire straits. For that matter, even Do Bigha Zameen was set in a poor milieu. (Laughs) I am also from Mumbai but I am not from the slums, I am a crorepati and a successful man.

Are you looking at doing more international films?

Right now, I’m concerned with how people receive Slumdog Millionaire in India. A lot of people have already seen the movie on pirated DVDs. It is bad, par maaf kiya iss baar because they have loved the movie. You don’t want to take interviews all your life, right? You want to go ahead in life, na? I’m from Chembur, I worked and after a lot of hard work I have reached here. And you are interviewing me.

So is it somewhat like your own story?

Yes, in a way, I empathise with Slumdog Millionaire.

You have been a star for 25 years. What’s your advice for the new breed of actors?

I don’t think I’m capable of giving advice to anyone because I always take advice, especially from youngsters. I want to take advice from them all my life.

Danny Boyle called you a part-time director while shooting the quiz show portions; any chances of becoming a full-time director?

Nahiiiin!