Alok Nath

I met the guy who started off the whole Babuji jokes. I removed my chappal the moment I saw him. But that was all for fun. I told him that he has done what I couldn't do in my 50-year career. I wanted to see the man who had the gall to crack such jokes.

I have never said no to a film. Except once, 20-25 years ago, when a producer from Madras wanted me to play Jeetendra's father.

I have played father to Jackie Shroff and Rishi Kapoor.

I have played father to people who were older than me.

One wrong move by a star kid and it immediately comes under the spotlight - even blown out of proportion, at times.

It would be difficult to break away from a set image, but as an actor, one would love to experiment with roles.

We celebrities have stiff upper-lips.

We should ensure to teach the next generation something good. We have such rich literature and history. Why can't we make better stories?

The makers love to show women being oppressed, and the audience also loves watching these stories. I'm sorry to say, but a large portion of the audience that watches these shows are women. They make women cry and abuse in the shows and women audiences are glued to such plots. I don't understand this syndrome.

Everybody in the family decided to get a tattoo each as a sign of togetherness and pestered me to get one. You have to be with the times, and I'm glad my tattoo isn't scary or anything.

I begin my day with a puja.

I became a victim of my own good work in 'Buniyaad.' It established my credentials as an actor but I became Babuji forever, the benevolent father figure with a perpetual smile, who has a discourse on sanskaar ready.

Nobody wants to be a laughing stock.

I haven't watched any shows online but I know that the content is not crippled by censorship and is much more experimental.

That is the trend in our country. If you have been adored in a particular kind of role, people want to see more of it.

I have shielded myself against the volley of jokes that I have been made the subject of.

The entire industry is a great commune. People from all walks of life come here - Hindu, Muslims, Sikhs and Christians. Now, our films are also getting international recognition.

People liked me in the character of an old person and I started liking that too.

What do you do when you don't have money to buy food or a house to live in? You accept whatever you get and incidentally, you are typecast in a particular role. And if you say no, eventually someone else will end up doing it, which will lead to an increase in the competition.

Along with true human relationships, 'Buniyaad' is a serial with lot of pain and emotions which even today is rarely found.

During 'Buniyaad' we were young students and were lucky to have a director like Mr. Sippy. He taught us like parents teach their children.

I have got calls from people who are comparing me to Rajinikanth.

I don't consider myself a big celebrity.

Whenever I feel low, some higher power supports me. It could come through my wife, my children or even my dogs.

I feel spirituality is not just restricted to God. There are ample manifestations of God on earth as well - in our parents and in the nature - trees, mountains and rivers.

Whatever we have done in the past has no meaning. What's important are the things which we are doing now.

One relationship that went a long way was the one with my present wife. It was almost 30 years ago. We worked in a serial together in the mid-'80s.

Nowadays so many things are happening all over the place. I'd sound really like a regressive babuji if I say stuff like the institution of marriage is crumbling.

I've heard of it, but I don't know too much about Tinder and I've never even dreamt of going on it because there is no need to at all. But if people want to delve in it, there's no harm. Each one to his own.

It's too late in life to reinvent myself. I am just repackaging myself now.

People find it odd when an older person talks about sex. Instead, it is accepted from a younger person. Having said that, I do feel awkward talking about such topics.

Online entertainment is easy. You can't carry a TV set in your pocket, and everyone can't afford cinema tickets every week as they are expensive.

My leg was pulled on social media with memes and jokes due to my 'sanskaari' image.

There was a time when I wanted to play younger characters, but didn't fit the bill.

I don't want anyone to be glorified for one character.

I have no monopoly and honestly, I wouldn't want anyone to get stuck in a role. There should be variety.

I am usually portrayed as a widower, I don't get a wife on any show.

Spirituality is very individualistic - to each his own. I feel it's about keeping the spirit alive and everything else follows.

Ultimately, we are actors and let's leave our past absolutely behind us.

Back in 1981, when I had moved to Mumbai from Delhi and literally lived on the streets, I started accepting any role that came my way.

I'm vociferously against any ban in the society. You have to educate people instead. When you ban something, you invoke in them the curiosity to find more about that.

I think people have too much time in their hands and constructive thinking is just waning in our country.

I was the father whom everyone looked up to and people could watch my films with the entire family. But then too much goodness is also not tolerated in our country.

The artists and creative people are not in a position to teach someone. Nobody wants to be taught through entertainment.

What you mean by freedom of speech? Democracy doesn't mean you abuse your country. Sedition has a law in the constitution. You can't give speeches against your country.

Whatever color you believe in, be it green or orange, Hindu or Muslim, you can't cheat your country.

Do whatever you want, but you can't be wrong towards your own country.

Actors are judged as big and small on the basis of the fee they charge. If it was for acting potential, dedication and good banners I could have been a star today.

The only thing that I find repetitive is the number of marriages I have arranged in films. That is one thing I stay away from in real life.

I hope I do more different types of roles before I die.