In a country like India, we don't want to put everyone in one big mixture. We have a different language, culture and cuisine for each region, even though we are united in the larger context. We are more like a fruit salad, where each ingredient has its own specialty, each fruit its distinct flavor, and together, the salad makes a tasty dish, without losing the individuality of each constituent.
Kabir BediActors are limited by their appearance and while it has cost me some roles, it has got me some very important roles too.
Kabir BediI am going to produce a movie of my own. I am not going to stick to the time-tested formulae of Hindi cinema. I want to make a film for the present generation. So there will be a lot of new faces in the film.
Kabir BediThere's a big difference between how the Anglo-Saxon world views India, or viewed India, and the way Europe views India.
Kabir BediThe advantage my looks gave me was that I wasn't limited to just playing Indian roles when I was abroad, and I've been abroad for almost twenty-five years.
Kabir BediToday, of course, the world's perception of India has changed tremendously. People understand its role in world affairs; they understand that India is not some backward nation. In fact, it is the fastest growing free-market democracy in the world today, and that says it all.
Kabir BediI think the Indian model of respecting the uniqueness of each religion and, of every state is what makes the country great.
Kabir BediDifferent nations have different ways of forming their national identity. In America, for instance, the model was one of homogeneity breaking from different backgrounds, and the whole effort was to blend them all together like a wonderful making of a milkshake!
Kabir BediThe Anglo-Saxon world saw India as an underdeveloped country. The land of snake charmers, the cows on the street, that "ex-colony-backward-nation" kind of viewpoint, very condescending. Europe on the other hand, saw India in a more romantic, mystical, spiritual way, as a place that's a fountain of wisdom.
Kabir BediWhen you are a filmmaker, you need to be rooted, because committing yourself to producing or directing a film is a good three-year process.
Kabir BediYou are probably right when you say that I could get a role in any producer's film if I just asked.
Kabir BediPakistan tries mentally challenged girl of blasphemy against the Holy Book. India arrests kids for posts on Facebook. Morbid competition?
Kabir BediIt is time that India legally respected the rights of LGBT persons. It is very sad that this is not enshrined in Indian law in India so far, but I do believe that soon, we will come on par with respecting the individuality of people with different sexualities.
Kabir BediI do believe that with more worldwide influences, the coming of the internet age and digital media, the flow of information is far greater, and people's understanding can expand more easily.
Kabir BediOsho is one of India's greatest mystics.... I see him as one of the world's great teachers, thinkers, philosophers and guides of our times. I have enormous respect for his world vision and the kind of International Communities he is building. I have always felt his influence in my life.
Kabir BediI love the stage, I love the process of acting in theatre, but unfortunately, it doesn't pay the bills.
Kabir BediI grew up speaking English and Punjabi. Just living and working in Punjab and smelling the early morning air and sitting down and having paranthas and lassi and all that was marvellous.
Kabir Bedi