Meeting Helen Mirren was a fabulous experience. I had played it out in my mind, how I should greet her when we would be introduced. But the way we met was funny because I just didn't recognise her!

It is my first preference to do films with social significance. Art cinema has given me credibility and status as an actor, but commercial cinema has given me a comfortable living.

I have no regrets at all. I have done quite well for myself. I didn't have a conventional face, but I have done well, and I am proud of it.

I prefer working in good cinema, wherever it is. I like subjects that have a universal appeal.

We have filmmakers who make films with some kind of responsibility and take cinema seriously like Shyam Benegal, Govind Nihalani, Prakash Jha. But now these people also take stars Without stars they cannot work.

I have been in the film industry for 35 years, and everyone, including the spot-boys, will vouch for my character.

In theatre, you've got to make the connect with your audience in the first three minutes. If you haven't, you know you've almost lost them.