Bubbling with energy and enthusiasm, Dr K D Chandran is an actor who can wax eloquent on any topic - books, politics, films. No wonder then, when he was down in Pune for a shooting last week for Gulmohar, Star Bestsellers, it took him just a few minutes to become a good friend to all the residents - young and old.From books to films.how did this journey happen?I worked with the United States Information Service (USIS) in Mumbai for 40 years. I was the Deputy Library Director of the American Centre Library. When I retired, Mahesh Bhatt offered me roles in his films. He said there were tailor-made for me. (The two Hindi films Junoon and Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke made him a popular character actor). I also acted in Teesra Kaun? God and Gun, Bale Mavaiyya (a Telugu film) Avan Ananthapadmanabhan (Malayam Film), Tere Mere Sapne (for which he was nominated for the Screen Videocon 1996 - Best Supporting Actor), Jab Pyar Kissise Hotha Hai, China Gate. I am also acting in serials like Tahkikat, Maya Jal, Mr Mewalal, Wah Bhai Wah, The Naughty Boy, Kaveri (Tamil), Ghar Jamai, Hotel Hindustani. My first break was as a character actor (as Chief Minister of Kerela) in the Malayalam film Indrajalam. I have been on stage a couple of times before I got into films.So, how does it feel to be the proud father of Sudha Chandran?We met with an accident while travelling in a bus. It was a great tragedy for my family. My daughter Sudha's leg had to be amputated. We did not lose hope. We defied Fate and worked hard to get back Sudha on her feet and perform - an almost impossible task. Today, she is internationally famous as danseuse, cine/TV actress and crusader for the disabled. I am proud to be her father. But I do get a complex sometimes when people say how come she can speak such good Hindi and you can't.So what does he think about the present day actors?Aamir Khan is good. He is doing a good thing by taking up different roles. I am a fan of Anil Kapoor, he is just marvellous. A very nice person too. I think Madhuri Dixit is good. She should try and get very selective about her roles. I like Reema Lagoo a lot. I would love to act with her.How was the experience doing Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke (HHRPK)?Wonderful! We had great fun. Chandran was responsible for conceptualising, supervising and directing the Tamil wedding scene in the film, one of its highlights.You have been involved in a lot of projects to promote young talent. What are those projects like?Nrityasandhu is one of them, wherein we promoted several artistes and instituted annual awards to promote artistic values. The Indian Fine Arts Centre was instrumental in bringing the Kalanilyam Drama Troupe from Kerala (then Asia's largest dramatic troupe) to Mumbai several times during the 1969-80.Any future plans?I would love to act as long as I can and continue with programmes for developing and nurturing merit and talent in other people.What is he most likely to say?He can wax eloquent on any subject under the sunWhat is he least likely to say?I have no clue what you are talking about.
