Bond with the best

[minisoji]

People in India are equally excited about your film Quantum of Solace and are waiting for it to release. Anything you want to say to your fans here? I am myself very much excited and it feels great. India has got really fantastic crop of movie lovers. They have a soulful liking especially for super-heroes and characters like James Bond and also the past decade there has been a tremendous change in terms of liking of Indians for the foreign films; especially Hollywood films. However; the character of James Bond is still very popular in India. Bond films have always been a hit here.

Quantum of Solace is one the most actionpacked in which you did most of your own stunts. Tell us something about the expe- rience of shooti n g those scenes? In Quantum of Solace, there were a number of stunts and seriously while p e r fo r ming these stunts, I got cuts and bruises on my body. I slashed off the end of my finger and I lost the power in the finger but it’s really healed fast. There’s a tiny scar. I slammed a door on Mathieu’s face so I got it in return.

Then I got eight stitches in my face from a kick.

But it was a small thing as I was back at work immediately.

The film is the first direct sequel in the Bond franchise and picks up just 20 minutes after Casino Royale ended. Isn’t it? Yes; Quantum of Solace is the first direct sequel in the James Bond film series. The story starts immediately after Casino Royale ended as we wished to tie the loose ends of Casino royale. It sees a broken hearted Bond trying to solve the mystery of the death of his lady love, Vesper Lynd; who had betrayed him. He’s trying to find the guys who killed the woman he loved, The woman whom he thought loved him had actually doubled crossed him, turned against him and turned him in.

So he’s very pissed off.

The story of Quantum of Solace is very contemporary and even the Bond girls, as you said, have been transformed from ‘giggly girls in bikinis’ to strong women.

Do you think it will make a difference? I would say Quantum of Solace holds its own style. And as we know, Bond is as flirtious as he always so we try to cast great actresses playing strong women with who, if he misbehaves, they will tell him to buzz off. My female counterparts are extremely professional in approach and have done a great job playing the glamorous role of Bond girls in the film. I believe in the importance of the new era of Bond films being in tune with the modern times.

You are a Bond fan but is it true that you didn’t accept the offer to act in a Bond film because you didn’t like the script (yes, we are talking about Casino Royale)? I am a die hard Bond fan but I do those roles that excite me be it romantic or be it action.

After all, you perform to your best only for the task which is accepted by your heart and for which your audience appreciate you.

So, the script is really important for you? Yes; for me script plays a major part in any role and they are the back bone of my characters and probably after playing so many diverse characters I have to a great extent achieved the liberty to accept the role of my liking.

What is it being a Bond — an inspiration to so many all over the world? The character James Bond is very charming and truly an inspiration for youngsters. And I find myself really fortunate to be able to get into its shoes for the second time and enjoy respect and popularity among the masses.

So for me being a Bond is very special as I get to try different things; perform exciting and thrilling stunts and at the same time get into the hearts of the people.

You said in an interview that you are open to Bollywood offers. What do you think of Bollywood? It's true; but till now I haven’t been fortunate enough to get hold of any Indian film offer; I don’t have a practical experience of that industry so I can’t say much on it. I am open to offers from India but unfortunately till now nothing has been put across to me by the film industry in India. But yes I will be very happy to work for an Indian movie on any given chance.

There are rumors about your marriage to an American film producer called Satsuki Mitchell. What do you have to say? I am really happy with Satsuki; she’s a fabulous human be ing and a gorgeous personality. And as far as marriage is concerned , I woul d probably like to marry her once we are done with this film.

You wear a necklace inscribed wi th a quotation ‘about taking your heart wherever you go’. Is that your philosophy of life? I firmly believe in it and I think you should follow your heart as it’s the best judge and helps you gain a better insight in your life.

[pratapsagar]

thanks for the info.i am a bond fan