Mithun Chakraborty, who celebrates his 64th birthday on June 16, never had the looks and charisma of Rajesh Khanna or Amitabh. But his abundant talent helped him to change things in his favour. Rajesh V. Gaur and Suneel V. Gaur interviewed the veteran star recently. Excerpts:
How do you feel when you look back at your career?
I feel proud that I have achieved name and fame though I never did a film for any big banner like Yash Chopra or Subhash Ghai. Whatever I have done has been on my own steam and merit. And even today, I am as busy as ever.
You have made a comeback of sorts in Bollywood ?
Comeback? When did I ever retire from films? Never! I may not have been very active in Bollywood but then I had always kept myself busy by acting in films on my own terms and conditions. I have been acting in Bengali films too.
You left Bollywood and went to Ooty at the peak of your career?
I went to Ooty because I had got drained, running from one studio to another, doing one film after another. Things began to get repetitive. I needed peace of mind and relaxation. In Ooty, I have a five-star hotel called 'The Monarch' and my International Hotel Business School, which I manage.
It is the season of remakes. Do you have objections to 'Shaukeen' (1982) being remade and Akshay Kumar reprising your role?
Let them do it. You become megastars when superstars start reprising your roles. But personally speaking, I’m against remakes. I never wanted 'Agneepath' to be remade nor do I want to see a 'Disco Dancer' (1982) remake. It dilutes the charisma of the original one.
You are known to be a very meticulous actor?
I do barrage the director with many questions about the history, geography, emotional and social mapping of the film and the character I am to portray. I believe it is vital for an actor to know where the character is headed in the film. Call me fussy or meticulous but that’s the way I am.
What keeps you going?
My positive attitude and focus. I don't carry any hang-ups. If a film flops, it flops, move on. I don't live for tomorrow. Today is the day for me.