'The Biggest Film Star in the World'

You served for a brief stint in India's parliament. Why did you leave politics?

After Indira Gandhi's assassination, I wanted to stand behind my friend, the young prime minister Rajiv Gandhi. Later, I realized politics is a game I don't know; I felt out of place. As actors, we start off wanting people to love us for our creativity. Then, when we have them in the palms of our hands, to suddenly tell them to love us for our politics is unfair. One day, when I was campaigning for the party, a young man rushed up to my helicopter, shoved his fist through the window, put a note in my hand, and ran back. It said, "I'm a fan of yours but you're making life difficult for me as I'm with the opposition." It was a poignant description of the conflict my fans were going through and was instrumental in my decision to withdraw--I was causing anguish to the very people who made me what I am.

Would you consider working in the West? Hollywood?

If I'm offered a suitable role, sure. I admire Al Pacino, Robert de Niro--I'd love the opportunity to just walk into a frame holding their briefcase.

© 2005