After working with Woody Allen, sharing screen space with De Niro was a dream come true.
I am aware that as an actor, I can blame others for the failure of a film, the director, the script, choice of co-stars, timing of the release and so on. But now, as the director, I will have to shoulder all the blame.
I have always believed that directing a film is like telling a story. You have to tell it well so that it is appreciated.
An actor is only a part of the film, not the whole, and very often, he is moulded by the director. That is why a good director can make so much difference to a film.
I still feel I belong to the theatre. There is nothing more challenging and exciting for an actor than performing before a live audience. The stage is the real testing ground for an actor.
You are never too old for applause. What's satisfying is that I'm being appreciated for what I was trained for.
Every time I've crossed to a new level of film acting, the film has been a breakthrough project.
My first British film was Gurinder Chadha's 'Bend It Like Beckham,' which was a huge international success.
'Silver Linings' has proved a golden opportunity for me.
I know that some of the characters I played were trash. But then, I chose to take up those roles, as I enjoyed doing them.
There are many brilliant actors, including our own Dilip Kumar, but Robert de Niro is something else.
It's important for couples to be friends first and to respect each other as individuals.
In day-to-day life, our brain sends lots of signals. In acting, there are no signals. You have to believe in what you are trying to portray.
Our school not only makes you an actor, it makes you understand who you actually are as well... it gives you discipline and punctuality. It also teaches you a way of life.
Harper Collins gave me a letter of intent saying that they want me to pen down my autobiography. When I was recollecting the incidents of my life for that, I selected only those incidents which were turning points in my life. I staged it instead of writing it.
People tend to scare you pointing out your shortfalls. If you voluntarily admit your faults, then people won't have anything to point out.
I was failed in all other aspects of filmmaking and was completely bankrupt because my dreams were higher than realities. So I started my acting school in a small room with 12 students to prepare future actors and actresses.
Our cinema has evolved in last 60 years because we have made people happy through our films. The main purpose of our storyline is to spread happiness. Our cinema has an emotional connect.
