My mistakes made me a better actor
2 May 2013 11:51 PM GMT
Congratulations on your silver jubilee in Bollywood...
Time moves fast. During my debut in QSQT (Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak), I had no idea how long I will survive in the industry. I was very new and I used to hear that an actor’s life is only 5 years. After that the audience gets bored of you. I had my own insecurities. And this is the happiest moment for me, when I can look back on the long years that I have been in this industry. Coincidentally, the Indian film industry is also celebrating it’s 100 years, which makes it even more special.
Who would you like to thank for your success?
I would like to thank the writers and directors who have worked with me. Without their contributions, I couldn’t have come this far. I would like to thank Nasir sahab (Nasir Hussain), my uncle, who gave me my first film. I would like to thank Mansoor Khan who directed my first film. I would like to thank all my co-actors, including Juhi (Chawla). I have learnt so much from everyone, be it a cameraman, sound recordist, music director or lyric writer. I would like to thank my audience for tolerating me for 25 years. They saw my films and showered their love and respect on me. The love of the audience is priceless for me. I would like to thank my family who stood with me every time, be it my mother, father, Reenaji (my first wife) or Kiranji.
You have always been considered a powerful actor...
When I was new, I had no idea how my career will shape up. My first film QSQT was a block-buster and I became a star over-night. But after that there were a few films of mine which didn’t succeed. I made mistakes and learnt from them. But when I think of that phase I feel very proud, because those mistakes made me a better actor. At that point of time I had made a strict decision for myself. I will not sign a film for money, I will not do a film for a big banner or a big director. I will only do a film if my heart is convinced about the script. For the past 24 years, I have remained firm on that decision. I have always maintained a non-compromising attitude when it comes to quality.
And did you not have any fear while taking such a big decision?
I walked alone when I started off. People used to think that I am new and I am not signing many films and it will be hard for me to survive. They would also laugh at me, as I worked in a way which was totally opposed to the film industry’s law. And I kept convincing myself that I never knew any other way of working. It is all by the blessings of the almighty that I got success each time.
Any films you regret doing?
I don’t regret any films that I have done so far. I know that I have done some films which were not up to the mark or which have not worked at the box office, but as I said earlier, I have learnt from those films. I give my failures as much importance as my successes.
From marketing a film to buying shares, you have always been a trend-setter.
It's not like that. I only take decisions which I feel are worth taking. I am not scared of walking on a new path or taking a risk. Because my motto is that those who have truth and courage in their hearts, always win.
Any negative or positive qualities which you think have worked in your favour or hindered your career?
I think I have two qualities which are both good and bad. First is my passion and madness for my work, which I consider as my strength. The second, I am very stubborn.
Time moves fast. During my debut in QSQT (Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak), I had no idea how long I will survive in the industry. I was very new and I used to hear that an actor’s life is only 5 years. After that the audience gets bored of you. I had my own insecurities. And this is the happiest moment for me, when I can look back on the long years that I have been in this industry. Coincidentally, the Indian film industry is also celebrating it’s 100 years, which makes it even more special.
Who would you like to thank for your success?
I would like to thank the writers and directors who have worked with me. Without their contributions, I couldn’t have come this far. I would like to thank Nasir sahab (Nasir Hussain), my uncle, who gave me my first film. I would like to thank Mansoor Khan who directed my first film. I would like to thank all my co-actors, including Juhi (Chawla). I have learnt so much from everyone, be it a cameraman, sound recordist, music director or lyric writer. I would like to thank my audience for tolerating me for 25 years. They saw my films and showered their love and respect on me. The love of the audience is priceless for me. I would like to thank my family who stood with me every time, be it my mother, father, Reenaji (my first wife) or Kiranji.
You have always been considered a powerful actor...
When I was new, I had no idea how my career will shape up. My first film QSQT was a block-buster and I became a star over-night. But after that there were a few films of mine which didn’t succeed. I made mistakes and learnt from them. But when I think of that phase I feel very proud, because those mistakes made me a better actor. At that point of time I had made a strict decision for myself. I will not sign a film for money, I will not do a film for a big banner or a big director. I will only do a film if my heart is convinced about the script. For the past 24 years, I have remained firm on that decision. I have always maintained a non-compromising attitude when it comes to quality.
And did you not have any fear while taking such a big decision?
I walked alone when I started off. People used to think that I am new and I am not signing many films and it will be hard for me to survive. They would also laugh at me, as I worked in a way which was totally opposed to the film industry’s law. And I kept convincing myself that I never knew any other way of working. It is all by the blessings of the almighty that I got success each time.
Any films you regret doing?
I don’t regret any films that I have done so far. I know that I have done some films which were not up to the mark or which have not worked at the box office, but as I said earlier, I have learnt from those films. I give my failures as much importance as my successes.
From marketing a film to buying shares, you have always been a trend-setter.
It's not like that. I only take decisions which I feel are worth taking. I am not scared of walking on a new path or taking a risk. Because my motto is that those who have truth and courage in their hearts, always win.
Any negative or positive qualities which you think have worked in your favour or hindered your career?
I think I have two qualities which are both good and bad. First is my passion and madness for my work, which I consider as my strength. The second, I am very stubborn.
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