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BIG B IN DUBAI

to announce Dubai as the host city for the 7th Annual IIFA Weekend to be held from June 14 to 17, 2006. City Times spoke to Big B on the occasion.

What has been the role of IIFA in extending the global reach of Indian cinema?

It organises an event, which recognises Indian talent. It creates an ambience where the entire Indian film industry actually transports itself to a new region in some corner of the world to celebrate Indian cinema, to entertain the people, to win awards and recognition, to be able to create forums where business discussions from corporate heads of the two nations can get together and discuss issues of mutual benefit. To be able to conduct charities which benefit some of the lesser-privileged people of the industry with the help of the host nation. To have the premiere of a film which has not been released so far, to provide an opportunity for a festival of Indian films both from the past and modern times and have this opportunity of spending four days together in a host nation not just amongst Indian expatriates but also amongst your friends who belong to the host nation thereby being able to talk and spread the world of Hindi cinema.

What are the chances of the Indian film industry working with artists from Arab countries?

If there is an opportunity where creativity of two nations can come together I am sure we will be very happy. Obviously it will have to be a product, which is going to be understood. Some little path will have to be chosen, a language or a medium in which we can communicate to each other. Language is never a problem in cinema but we have to make a product, which is acceptable for both countries.

Considering the popularity of Hindi cinema in many countries worldwide, won't dubbing in local languages help further extend its reach?

Yes it's a possibility and it should be done. I don't know whether the cost factor is probable but I'm sure these are things that can be done. Subtitling is probably a more easier and lesser expensive craft but dubbing an entire film maybe a little more expensive and budgets in Hindi cinema may not allow it.

Are you doing Deepa Mehta's film Exclusion?

Well we have spoken and I am waiting for the script to arrive.

You have signed on Nishabdh, which is based on Vladmir Nabokov's novel Lolita with Ram Gopal Verma. Do you find these kinds of roles more challenging to you as an actor today?

Well, anything at age 64 is more challenging because you are not in the prime of health but yes as an artist we all look for challenges, we want to be tested all the time otherwise there is no need being an artist.