In the '70s, women drooled over him. The veteran actor talks about his comeback, sons Akshaye and Rahul and peer Big B.
In the '70s, women drooled over him. At one point, he was the biggest threat to Amitabh Bachchan. During his prime, perhaps no actor was as overpoweringly handsome and charismatic as Vinod Khanna. Osho’s (Rajneesh) earliest celebrity disciple was clearly Hindi cinema’s loss.
Vinod, now also a BJP politician, makes a comeback with three films. After Hours chats up with him to find out his plans.
What made you stage a comeback to films?
This is the right time for actors like me to make a comeback (laughs). These are challenging times. But seriously speaking, I don’t see this as a comeback. I was not doing films, because as an MP I had a constituency (Gurdaspur) to look after. Therefore, for three and half years, I didn’t do much. Then I became a minister and supposedly, ministers are not allowed to work (laughs). Now that I am settled as a politician, I have decided to do films.
Tell us something about your roles.
Subhash Ghai’s film is a family drama. Hriday Shetty’s film has an Indo-Pak cast, where I play a godfather kind of character. He is a polished don. In Vishram Sawant’s ‘Risk’ (K Sera Sera), I play a dehati don. So, all the characters are challenging.
Is it true that you are keen on film production?
Not as much as I would want to direct a film. However, I do plan to produce and direct a film. In the 70s, I had written a few notes. May be I will revive them and make a script.
Are you happy with the careers of your sons Akshaye and Rahul?
Akshaye is a complete actor. His range is amazing. Rahul belongs to the MTV generation. He has lived in the US and hence, is a different guy altogether. However, both are intense actors.
How did you react when you heard rumours of Rahul’s suicide?
I was abroad. I heard about it when I returned. I thought it was absurd. He is far too levelheaded and full of life to do that.
Apparently, you would have been Amitabh Bachchan’s strongest rival, had you not forsaken Bollywood for Osho.
That’s wrong. The Bachchan phenomenon was always there. He still had ‘Sholay’ and ‘Deewar’. Undoubtedly, he’s a great actor. His has been one of the most amazing careers.
You formed one of the best teams with him in the ‘70s. Would you want to pair up again?
Why not? It would be great. I am sure he’s keen to work with me too.
What about the Khannas together?
A filmmaker had announced a film with Akshaye, Rahul and me. We should be happy with our roles and the script. The day we are, we will come together.
s_ayaz@dnaindia.net
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