An entire section of MG Road, Bangalore, came to a standstill with a large number of people crowding together just to be able to get a glimpse of Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar during his visit to the Bangalore Times office. The actor spoke about the challenges of working with an animal, of what entertainment means to him and on the importance of retaining the magic in the world of films. Excerpts: 

What's your idea of entertainment?
When we were kids, my father, mother, sister and I would make it a point to watch one movie every week, on Saturdays. It was so essential for us to be entertained through movie media that it was the only way we could be happy . Believe it or not, we would skip breakfast to save money to be able to afford a movie at Roopam Cinemas, Mumbai, a samosa at Gurukrupa, a mango ice candy, and if we saved enough, some popcorn too. Even today, I make it a point to watch as many films as possible. I just enjoy watching the magic unfurl on the big screen. I don't analyse or critique them.

What do you mean by magic on screen?
Recently, I was at a magic show and I knew what went into three of the tricks, and that really spoilt it for me. Similarly, I think it's nice to retain the magic of a film without telling the viewer everything that went into the making. When fans watch a film, they want to see the hero doing larger-than-life things on screen. But if they find out the truth they will no longer feel the same enthusiasm while watching the film. I feel even the making of a film, that we often show at the end of the film these days, should only show some candid moments from the set and not reveal tricks of the trade. Why show the audience things like a hero suspended from cables while doing a high-octane action sequence when they can believe that he actually jumped off without technical support. That would ruin the movie watching experience.

There's a film cliché that says never work with children and animals. Is that true?
I wonder why the cliché exists because honestly, the most beautiful of films are those about kids and animals. On the contrary, I think Hollywood makes about four to five films with children and animals every year. But I wonder why these genres have been neglected in Indian cinema. It has been almost 18 years since we have had a film that features animals. That said, I will not deny the fact that it requires a lot of patience to work with children and animals. You can never predict how a child will behave while shooting. Even while shooting with the dog for Entertainment, there were times when Junior (aka Entertainment) would suddenly walk away and be by himself.

How important is it to be well-versed with the various skills required to be an actor these days?
Today, it's very important. Previously, we had dedicated actors for certain genres, like Mehmood and I S Johar for comedy. However, today, every actor should know comedy, driving, stunts, horse-riding, swimming, rock-climbing and other such skills. The more skilled an actor is, the more likely it is for him to be chosen over others. Even today, I make it a point to learn new skills wherever I go.

Is there any genre you particular like working with?
I do attempt different genres as and when I can. Though, I would particularly enjoy playing the villain. A villain is one guy who has the most fun on screen. He is the one who is seen having a lavish lifestyle, has the most beautiful girls around him, and living life king-size. He only has to get beaten up by the hero in the last five minutes, whereas the hero has to slog it out right through - often struggling to save either his mother or sister from the villain.

Which genre is physically more challenging - action or comedy?
Undoubtedly, comedy. If you ask any big actor from across the world, you'll get the same answer. To do the comic role is extremely challenging because it's very difficult to make people laugh. The jokes always need to be rightly timed and well said in order to have the right impact.

You're a dog lover yourself. Was it, therefore, easier to work with Junior?
Yes, in a way. I think dogs are able to sense a dog lover and warm up to them easily and they immediately realise that they have a place in your heart. Interestingly, Junior had got so attached to me that while we were shooting during our last shot, I feel he somehow sensed it was the end of our shoot together. It might be coincidence, but when we were wrapping up with a photo-shoot, Junior suddenly started licking my face. Since, there was a video camera to capture the making of the film we were able to add this moment in the film.

Would you do a non-commercial film?
If I get a good script, I will. I have tried my hand at it. I've done a couple, but they weren't well received.
Probably, people didn't understand it at that time, but Bollywood is changing. Now is the time for good cinema considering there are so many new ideas, directors and writers. There are interesting scripts, but people still want commercial elements along with an unusual story . They still want that one item number in the film.

You visit Bangalore often. How do you feel about the city?
My first film Saugandh was shot here and I've also worked with Dr Vishnuvardhan in the Kannada film Vishnu Vijaya. Many of my hit films have been shot here. So, Bangalore is dear to my heart. The weather is beautiful, but the traffic only seems to be increasing. I don't understand how people walk here anymore.

Have you had a Bangalore girlfriend?
Must have.