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KABIR BEDI —the name instantly conjures up visions of the sensuous Sandokan, Bedi's legendary portrayal of the romantic Asian pirate. Well, Kabir's back in the glare of media attention as a member of the Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Association.

Published: Sat 20 Oct 2007, 10:58 AM

Updated: Sun 5 Apr 2015, 12:45 AM

Reacting to the controversies that spring up every time a film is sent to be part of the foreign section of the Academy Awards, Kabir expresses his disappointment at the choice of jury which decides upon films to be sent to the Oscars. Says he, "I wish India had a savvier panel of people, with an international view and perspective to decide upon which films to send for the Oscars."

These days, he is busy with the Rome Film Festival which started yesterday. Says he, "The festival will see the presence of a major film delegation from India led by Yash Chopra. I will be the bridge between India and Italy and am looking forward to it."

Awarded the Golden Pegasus for lifetime achievement recently, Bedi says, "It's been a lifetime of work starting with Sandokan and then on to films, TV serials, radio, etc. And they've taken into account my body of work in not just Italy but across three continents. Now, I am raring to do more."

But, does it mean he's bidding goodbye to Bollywood? "My base continues to be Mumbai. I just go abroad on assignments. I love the Hindi film industry, and will keep my bond with it," he says.

He does concede that "there's not been an outstanding role for me. But, had I been successful in Bollywood, I wouldn't have had a career overseas."

Happy to have been the first crossover artiste, he says, "I was the first Indian actor to have had a real career abroad, so it feels good to be a trailblazer. Others have done an odd film or so. Actors like Shabana, Naseer and Om are greatly respected and have done outstanding films, but it's not the kind that the common man would associate with."

According to him, the one whose face is recognised by people outside is Aishwarya Bachchan's. "She's the most famous face from Bollywood. People here can't pronounce her name, but they refer to her as that very beautiful girl from India," he says.

Ask him about his earlier Bollywood films and he laughs, "When I see some of them now, I squirm, though I'm very proud of my work in Kuchche Dhaage, Nagin, and Manzilein Aur Bhi Hain."

His started his career as a newsreader in AIR. "My family circumstances were such that I had to work my way through college, so I became a newsreader and commentator." And the highpoint of his life then, he says, was an interview with the Beatles. "Those were good days," he reminisces.

He's happy that his kids are continuing the tradition. "Adam did a few art films and even walked the ramp in Mumbai. Now, he's studying production in Los Angeles. Pooja, of course, makes me very proud with the way she keeps reinventing herself," he adds.

And, what about the new love in his life? "Her name is Parveen Dusanj. We met sometime ago while working in Far Pavilions, much after Niki and I were divorced. And Parveen and I have been together since then," he says.

Well, that's Kabir Bedi for you. Some people never lose their charm, isn't it?



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