Global Warning

You have always been associated with versatility but rarely with films featuring catastrophic disasters. So what made you sign this film?
As an actor,I have always looked for roles that would help me explore my talent. And I couldn’t have said no to this film because it is the biggest movie ever made. It will be having a worldwide release and it’s a great way to prove your acting prowess to the world. When I was offered the role,I saw character detailing and was very happy with it.

This is also your first film with Ronald Emmerich who is known for his works such as Independence Day,Godzilla and Day After Tomorrow. How was the experience of working with him?
I have been a huge fan of all of Ronald’s works and working with him was always going to be fun. It is while shooting for the movie that I observed what a hands-on director he was. I have seen directors who don’t bother much about the smaller shots or secondary shots. But Ronald goes into the minute detailing of his movie and that’s the reason he can successfully churn out these disaster epics.

You play an Indian scientist in the movie. How pivotal is the role in the context of the movie?
I play an astrophysicist,Dr Satnam Tsurutani,who is the first to warn the powers that it will be the end of the world in 2012. In fact,in the film the extent of the disaster that is to follow is first discovered by me in Vijaywada in Andhra Pradesh through the seismic studies I conduct.

From The Guru to 2012,you have done some memorable characters. What would you rate the high point of your career?
I did different films for different reasons. The Guru and Dead Fish gave me a chance to do different roles. I did Blood Diamond for the wonderful storyline it had; or 2012 for the genre of movies that it belongs to. But every movie I have done I have seen it as a learning curve.

India and Indian culture is part of Hollywood in a big way today.
I think India and Indians are doing well everywhere today. But I feel proud and happy when I am considered one of the contributors who have helped India gain a global image.

Ever thought of acting in a Hindi film?
I love Bollywood and the kind of cinema that happens here,although I don’t necessarily watch a lot of Hindi movies. I have had opportunities in the past to work in Bollywood but somehow things haven’t fallen into place. But I would like to believe that one day,I will surely work here.

What’s the next big project?
I am doing Tariq Khan’s West is West and Gurinder Chadha’s next. Not too many big projects really.