'DNA' interviews Leonardo DiCaprio

Oscar-nominee and Golden Globe-winner Leonardo DiCaprio may have missed winning the top honour this year to pal George Clooney, but fans of the actor are hoping that he may well be in the running for the Academy Awards again, for his role in the political drama J Edgar.

Best-known for his films The Aviator, Catch Me If You Can, Blood Diamond, The Departed, Revolutionary Road, Shutter Island, Inception and of course Titanic, the actor himself doesn’t dismiss the importance of awards, but is quick to point out that the ultimate reward is being remembered for the good work. Here, the actor talks about competition, friends and films!

The awards season is on. So, tell us how important are these awards for you as an actor?
I think one has to keep on working hard and putting in your best. If I am remembered for the good work, it’s automatically awarding.

With the high competition, is it easy to have friends in the industry?
Absolutely, I have made great friends from the industry.

Your films reflect your constant evolution as an actor. Is that what you look forward to in a role?
I don’t have an ideal role in mind… I think that way you are open to newer ideas.  

Is it easier or more of a challenge when you play a role that’s based on a real character like your role in J Edgar?
The challenge for me was not just the prosthetic work — we sat in the make-up chair for five or six or seven hours sometimes — and how to move like an older man, but more so how to have 50 years of experience in the workplace and talk to a young Robert F Kennedy as if he was some political upstart that didn’t know what the hell he was talking about. That was the big challenge for all of us. But, thankfully, Clint (director Clint Eastwood) creates an environment for all of us to really focus on the acting and the drama and the interaction with the characters.

You have already turned producer. What about direction?
I haven’t thought about directing yet, but I don’t know what the future plans for me.

How do you handle the pressure of being a celebrity as far as personal relationships go?
I keep my professional and personal life separate... 

From appearing in commercials to being one of the most celebrated international stars, how would you describe your journey?
My journey has been great and a fun ride. I am grateful to my fans and well-wishers for appreciating my work.

You are an extreme supporter of several causes…
All the causes that I support are close to my heart. I am currently working on the campaign called ‘SAVE TIGERS NOW’.

Are you clued in to the Indian film industry?
I have watched a few Indian films and enjoyed each and every one of them.

Would you ever consider a film here?
Being a part of an Indian film will be a great experience. 

Any plans to visit India anytime soon?
I would plan a trip to India soon.