'I have enjoyed all my films'

Article Updated 28 December, 2005 10:55:29 PM IST

'I have enjoyed all my films' - Dev Anand

Meet DEV ANAND on his latest film 'Mr. Prime Minister' (releasing December 30) and lots more! Anand was conferred with the Pride of India honour at the hands of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Rajshekhar Reddy on December 17th. Excerpts from an interview by VICKEY LALWANI:

Tell us something about 'Mr. Prime Minister'.
'Mr. Prime Minister' is about a London billionaire who is visiting Kutch in Gujarat to understand how the donation he sent for the earthquake victims was spent. While he is there, an earthquake strikes and he gets trapped in the rubble of a building, loses his memory and starts selling newspapers on the streets of a Bachhau town.

Please continue...
He becomes very popular, so popular that he is forced to contest parliamentary elections. He wins by a landslide. Finally, he is within striking distance of becoming prime minister when he recovers his memory. The story takes a dramatic turn and becomes politically charged.

What is your role in 'Mr. Prime Minister'?
I play the role of Johnny Master, who sells newspapers in a small earthquake-ravaged town in Bachhau, Gujarat.

What statement are you making in the film?
I have showed that any Indian can stand up proudly and fight for his rights. I have propagated that India is a democratic nation, which has been somewhat forgotten these days.

What is your film's USP?
Honestly, I feel 'Mr. Prime Minister' is a much better film than 'Guide'. There are many twists and turns in my film. The climax scenes have too many shocks, which I can't disclose now; else the whole essence and hard work will go down the drain.

Where have you shot 'Mr. Prime Minister'?
I have shot the film at virgin locales in the UK and Italy. In India, I shot my film in Kutch, Bhuj Palace, Karjat, Lonavala and Matheran, besides Bachhau in Gujarat.

How long will you go on making films?
Why should I stop? I will go on dreaming and producing daring subjects. I will continue making films.

You have acted in so many films and yourself directed many. Which are your favourite films?
Every film has left a memory. 'Guide' was made twice, once in Hindi and once in English. 'Hare Rama Hare Krishna' involved two and a half months of shooting in Katmandu. 'Des Pardes' addressed the theme of illegal immigration in England. I have enjoyed all my films, whether they ran or not. All are equally dear to me.

What's next?
Next I am making 'Beauty Queen'. I will be launching 'Beauty Queen' in January 2006 and will complete the entire shooting in less than three months.

Have you finalized the cast of 'Beauty Queen'?
A boy from a college in Mumbai and two young girls - one from Nepal and another from England - will play the main leads in 'Beauty Queen'. But I will announce their names later. Right now, my only priority is 'Mr. Prime Minister'.

Print this Article

http://www.bollyvista.com

http://www.bollyvista.com/article/a/34/6023