I’d love to explore India, says Robert Downey Jr

The enfante terrible image is a thing of the past. Hollywood actor Robert Downey Jr still has his quirks, but without the notoriety of the past, and continues to be one of the most rivetting actors in Hollywood. Getting candid with DNA, Downey talks of his plans to come to India:

Q: Have you seen any Indian film?
A: I have watched a few. It’s difficult for me to name the films and actors, but I am of the opinion that India makes brilliant cinema.

Q: Don’t you find the song-n-dance routine in Indian films a little removed from reality?
A: Entertainment is the only factor that matters — real or unreal!

Q: So, would you take up on an offer to act in a Bollywood movie?
A: Given an opportunity, I would really love to be a part of an Indian movie. I would love to try my luck at shaking a leg!

Q: Have you ever been to India?
A: No, but I will come to India soon, for work or otherwise. I would love to come and explore the beauty because I believe that  India is gorgeous!  It  has had strong, amazing cultural values.

Q: What has been the most challenging role in your acting career?
A: It undoubtedly has to be essaying the character of Sherlock Holmes! After the first one worked out pretty good, we were touring and talking about things that we would like to improve and other directions we could go. And then, there was the reality of doing it. Anybody who’s ever been involved in making the second part to a first thing that worked, there should be a whole online support team. There’s so much to learn and the greatest disguise was us disguising ourselves as consummate, by the numbers professionals, when in fact, we’re all incredibly eccentric. And, Warner Bros. has given us the opportunity to try to do something that’s complicated and needs to tick a bunch of boxes. The great thing was that, this time, we also had Noomi (Rapace) and Jared (Harris).

Q: Any message for cine buffs in India?
A: Just one wish for all of you: Happy New Year India!

s_banerjee@dnaindia.net