Gulshan Grover `still in the running` for villain role

28-Nov-2005 • Casino Royale

MEDIA RUMOUR
Gulshan Grover believes in the Titanic theme: It Ainât Over Till Itâs Over. Denying media reports that heâs been sidelined as the new James Bond villain, Grover is keeping his fingers crossed - reports Express India.

Where have you been all this while?
Oh, just about everywhere. Iâve been shuttling between Los Angeles, Vancouver and London shooting for a Canadian-American film The Aftermath. The film is about a bunch of people whose life gets affected after 9/11. I play a Sikh gentleman called Bobby Singh. Other nationalities include African-American, Jew, Italian, Russian and Pakistani.

Tell us honestly if youâre playing the Bond villain?
Iâm still in the running for the part. Iâve had meetings with the casting directors of the Bond film. But nothing has been decided. Iâm not claiming that Iâve signed the film. Media is making all the announcements. One day, they declare Iâm doing the film and the next day they say Iâm not.

So youâve auditioned for the role?
I donât audition for any role. Iâm not some local Indian actor. I have the skills to perform in an international film. When someone asks me to audition, I ask them if they audition Jackie Chan from Hong Kong and Hugh Grant from England?

What do you think of Daniel Craig as the new James Bond?
Heâs fantastic. I got a couple of his DVDâs and agree with the collective judgement of the Bond makers that heâll make a great Bond.

Is Bollywood your second priority now?
No way. Iâve decided to do more Bollywood films but I wonât do every offer that I get. Iâm looking for good roles and good money. Iâve always said that Bollywood is like my mother and international cinema is my gori aunty, who gives me chocolates now and again. But this time, sheâs promised a big box of chocolate in the form of Bond. Fingers crossed.