There have been a series of school fires in the country in recent years, many of them which have turned out to be arson
because they spoke out against Indian movies. Abraham took the cudgels to retaliate and correct their image of Hindi cinema.
You were in Toronto for Deepa Mehta's Water when this incident happened, right?
True. I have always respected the media, whether foreign or Indian, because they are so responsible and they work towards bettering the society. But at the Toronto Film Festival, the foreign media went far too ahead in speaking badly about Indian movies. I felt bad about it because I belong to the very fraternity and I am not someone who can just stand and listen to negative things. I told them exactly that.
Oh, you seem a true patriot.
That's not about being a patriot, that's about giving respect to a nation and its people or anyone. I am glad that I speak my mind wherever I go.
Let's talk about Garam Masala
Nice that you have broached the topic of Garam Masala (laughs). It was a pleasure working with Priyadarshan — he is the finest talent we have today. I always made mistakes in some scene or the other, but Priyan was calm. He didn't mind me taking eight to nine shots for a single scene. In a sense, he is a perfectionist. Whatever comedy I have been able to pull off in Garam Masala, it is all thanks to Priyan.
Incidentally, while you are a photojournalist in Garam Masala, in Kabul Express, you play a journalist. How strange?
That's not strange — that's coincidence (laughs). Kabul Express is a film recounting the experiences of two journalists posted in Afghanistan. It is a funny character and a warm story about how we try to extract information from the terrorists and how that leads to comic situations.
What about Rituparno Ghosh's Sahib Biwi Gulam? Are you doing it?
Nothing has been worked out yet. I have seen Rituparno's films and have loved his work. He is a filmmaker who makes serious cinema, but we are still working on a few things before the project begins.
What's happening to the motor publication that you intended to start?
That was just an idea. I would speak about it when we get financiers. The idea was just blown up but yes I am crazy about bikes and motors and will give my best to start a publication on it if I get an opportunity.
There have been a series of school fires in the country in recent years, many of them which have turned out to be arson
Salama Alfalacy is into realistic art featuring landscapes and wildlife, while Meera Jamal Al Midfa is setting new grounds in performance art and filmmaking
Dubai Police have asked drivers to be extra cautious
The storm had already claimed the lives of at least two people in China's Hainan and 16 people in the Philippines
Dubai Police have asked drivers to be extra cautious
The former all-rounder has returned to cricket during the past year after a horrific car crash at the end of 2022
Dubai Police have asked drivers to be extra cautious
The country has set a new Guinness World Record by creating the largest falcon hood, beating the previous record of 1.65 metres