Mohanlal

I use my hands a lot while acting.

I was not the producer of 'Vaanaprastham' earlier. The first producers backed out when they became doubtful about the monetary benefits. I do not blame them. But as an actor, I wanted to make the film. So, I told Shaji sir that I would produce the film. It was only then we started shooting.

Somebody has to make good artistic films. Somebody has to break open the doors so that others also will follow and make good and meaningful films.

If you are a very ordinary human being, nothing affects you, nothing bothers you, and nothing troubles you. That's how I live my life.

Even in Hollywood, filmmakers are re-creating classics at regular intervals.

I was in school when 'Sholay' was released. I think recreating a film like that is a good idea.

I have never, ever argued about money with any of my producers because that is the kind of relationship and understanding I have with them.

Good films will happen only if there are people to produce good films and there are people to encourage the endeavour.

You cannot judge the performance of an actor in isolation. A performance becomes good because of so many factors, including the other actors.

As an actor, we can only do what the director wants. Only the director has a vision of the entire film.

In most films, when we act, we don't see such meanings in what we do. Rather, we don't realise it. Only when we see it as a continuous film later on do we realise such deep meanings. That is the brilliance of the director.

I never ever aspired for anything in life. I don't believe in planning or yearning for something very strongly. If something has to happen, it will happen.

To me, only the filmmaker and the role matters.

Acting is only my profession.

I don't prepare for my characters.

Life is not about acting in films alone. There are so many things in life other than films and acting.

Nothing was planned in my career.

I used to act in plays when I was in school and college, but you cannot say that I was passionate about acting. I was only interested in being a part of the group, and the group was passionate about filmmaking.

I can never forget my first film - it was instrumental in me becoming an actor.

My roles have given me a lot of satisfaction. I became many individuals who were so different from me and whose experiences were so different from mine. I could experience all their emotions, their pains, their worries, their happiness.

I have been lucky enough to portray many, many characters.

My first film was 'Thiranottam.' I cannot discount that film because I got initiated into films with it.

I acted in my first film while in my second year of degree college, in 1978.

I don't get bored at all while acting.

I do all my films happily, and I enjoy every moment of it.

I generally have confidence in my directors.

Digitization has altered the nature of the film industry. Social media, especially, has become a decisive factor in determining a film's box office success.

I want to do roles that no one else has ever done, which I know is difficult.

There's this tendency to be held in great esteem if you are judgmental. A sort of moral policing, being opinionated. What right has one to act like judges? What right has one to police another?

I have a fairly good collection of paintings, both classical and contemporary.

I don't think I'm unduly extravagant.

When I have something to say or share with my viewers, I turn to my blog, and even then, I make it clear that it is my take on certain events.

When I started acting, I did many films without even an idea of what the script was about. The film would start, and then we would discover what we were expected to do on the sets. Those days have changed.

Every actor, director, and producer want all their films to do well. So you choose the role carefully, listen to the script, and work hard. But there is no way of predicting whether it will be a hit or a flop.

There comes a turning point in the life of every person when he reflects on his journey and work and ponders on the next road to take. Is this the pinnacle, the ultimate? What next?

Acting is my profession; I enact all roles with sincerity.

Priyadarshan makes good films because he is a good writer.

I never argue with any director. When they say something will click, I believe them.

For me, every film is an interesting experience.

Robert de Niro is my favourite actor.

I feel there is an unknown energy pushing me to do certain things in life.

If I had not made a film like 'Vaanaprastham,' I would not have been able to go to Cannes or any other festival. I would not have had a chance to act as a Kathakali artiste. I would not have had a chance to be with some of the greatest Kathakali artistes. I consider all this my good fortune.

No amount of praise should go to your head. You should always remain humble.

I have done films in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada. I don't find any difference.

Priyadarshan has directed over 84 films and more than 150 ad films. With every film, he is growing. He knows his job well; he is thorough. His way of making a film and song or choreographing a scene is entirely different from other directors. He knows how to use an actor's talent and how to handle an actor.

'Company' has become a cult film. When people see me at the airport, and when I travel, they call me 'Companywala.'

For an actor, it is great to have fans.

I don't hope for anything. Not only in my professional life, but in my family life also. My total lifestyle is like that.

Even when I was young, I never felt extreme feelings.

A film will be a hit or a flop in spite of my worrying about it.