Caught in Karjat with family amid the lockdown, Arjun Rampal on keeping his tot away from state's hotspots amid pandemic
Uma Ramasubramanian (MID-DAY; April 22, 2020)

Not many can convert life's lemons to lemonades as seamlessly as Arjun Rampal can. Caught in Karjat where he was shooting when the lockdown was announced last month, the actor decided to extend his stay at his lavish home, instead of scurry back to Mumbai.

"I thought it would be better to operate from here instead of travel at this point. I have a house here, so it worked out well," says Rampal, who is accompanied by partner Gabriella Demetriades and their son, Arik.

That Karjat has, so far, remained largely unscathed by Coronavirus was another bonus. "We decided to stay back for my son's safety. While he is too young now, this will be a story to tell him when he grows older. Besides, Mumbai is just a few hours away, and hence, easily accessible in case of an emergency."

Spending two months in the lap of nature has converted him into "a farmer", of sorts, he jokes, adding that his family is making the most of the hiatus. "Since there are no cases here, we are secure. We have an open space and [are enjoying] being amid nature instead of confined to an apartment," says the actor, adding that he is also keeping tabs on his daughters Mahikaa and Myra, who are with ex-wife Mehr in Mumbai. "They are doing their work online, and I am constantly chatting with them."

Arjun Rampal, who is accidentally self-quarantined on the outskirts of Mumbai, shares his thoughts about what’s going on in the world around us, and tells us that after we are past all this, we will always view life as BC/AC — life Before Coronavirus and life After Coronavirus
By Arjun Rampal (BOMBAY TIMES; March 29, 2020)

So, here we are, Day 10 of quarantine for me. But let’s level here, so we shall consider it as Day 5, post the compulsory national lockdown was announced. No, this is not the Janata Curfew as we all witnessed, we know how that panned out, with a bunch of morons who defeated the good of all disciplined citizens, by doing a victory lap in thousands as if they had defeated the coronavirus.

Yet, all is not lost, and now, we all realise the magnitude of the problem that surrounds us. I am in a quaint town on the outskirts of Mumbai, where I have been filming for the past two months. I have accidentally been self-quarantined here, since the curfew was imposed on the day I was supposed to leave. The delay happened because I had set up home here with my personal team, dogs and gym equipment, and was taking a few days to get everything back home, but by then, everything had changed. The team left, including my eight-month-old baby’s nanny.

Out of no choice of mine, or maybe some divine intervention, the people who ended up staying were Gabriella (Demetriades), Arik (Arjun’s son), Babblu and Santosh (staff members), my three dogs — Faff, Dean, Brando — and, of course, my gym equipment. Lucky me. So, that’s my current situation. But this is not what the article is about; hopefully, it shall make sense as we proceed.

Sitting here with nature and two bars of 4G on my phone, which I get only under the fifth coconut tree on this property. I find myself lost under that tree, worrying about all the people I care about, getting in touch with them, and thinking that my life could end, less likely by COVID-19 and more likely by a coconut. I see the panic mankind has gotten into, as if we were immortals facing mortality. Why? Is it just that we have assumed that we all are going to live forever, or is it that we just want to live more, since we are not done consuming. We all have had the same complaints, during our normal existence, too, much work and no time for family. Now, locked down with our family, we can’t wait to get the hell out and work. We work all our lives and spend most of our income to make beautiful homes, and once we are confined to them, we feel jailed.

Then, we are bombarded with an overload of information about the virus. Lots and lots of theories, conspiracies, stories, fake news, panic messages, economic meltdown, biological warfare, new treatments, celebrities who have been infected (Oh my God, they get it, too!), party apps, crazy videos, memes, fear, fear and more fear. All this floods our social networking timelines. The interesting thing is that, now BC and AC have donned a new definition — of life Before Coronavirus and life After Coronavirus. Some very affluent writers and intellectuals go to the extent of saying that the world will never be the same, we would need to choose a new world order, which would mean we lose our freedom (which we have now, being quarantined), our privacy — maybe by getting chipped or through some biometrics — people can check our body temperatures and use facial recognition, which would then allow governments to monitor our every move, and know our reaction towards anything we process. They will know that we are falling sick even before we know it. Bit by bit, we will be given some of our freedom back. But overall, take this time to put in a new order, a new way of life. Wow, a bit too overwhelming. A great way to control and distract, considering that we were on the cusp of a global economic meltdown, regardless of COVID-19.

Environmentalists have been screaming from rooftops about global warming, deforestation continues at an alarming rate to fulfil human needs and species getting extinct is just another day at the office. News today, gone tomorrow. Governments, the world over, have indulged in building great armies and weapons of mass destruction, but have failed when it has come to healthcare. No nation has prepared itself for a pandemic like this. So yes, it’s true that now they have the opportunity to take away all of our freedom. Implement technologies that will monitor us 24X7. That will be the world we shall leave for generations to come. All these thoughts buzz through my mind. Making me feel hopeless, knowing how easily humans adapt, as I look up through the shade of the coconut tree, almost willing a coconut to crash my skull for just being so redundant. I then see the sky so blue, smell the air which is so clean, listen to the birds, who are audible, and not a mash-up of vehicles, people talking, news reporters screaming or people rioting. And all I can do is hope and pray that life after coronavirus is one where we aren’t so greedy, voiceless and selfish, we can call out the dishonest and we can protect our Earth for generations to come. A life where we aren’t so gullible and we will live and love each other as we do today. We move more towards inner peace than the hoax of materialistic happiness. We shall be humbled by nature, as nothing and nobody is greater than that. We will be satisfied, because if we aren’t, then today will just be the trailer, and the movie will tell another story. I realise that maybe this coronavirus is nature’s vaccine towards a virus called humans.

It’s time for us to acknowledge that and time for all of us to give back. You are at home under that roof with your family, and yet, you feel jailed! Ask yourself why? Because you want to run around those mountains, breathe the freshness in the air, swim in the lakes, rivers and oceans and travel the world. A world in synergy and sync with one another. Not a toxic waste dump.

Arjun Rampal talks about why he chose The Final Call over a period drama on Taj Mahal as his web debut
Sonil Dedhia (MID-DAY; March 5, 2019)

Bollywood's romance with the digital platform continues, with Arjun Rampal being the latest star to jump on the bandwagon. The actor opens up on his maiden web project and why it was a "draining" experience. Edited excerpts from the interview:

You were in talks for a web series on Taj Mahal. What made you choose The Final Call over it?
I was quite excited to do Taj Mahal, which would have seen me play Shah Jahan. But when I read the first two episodes, I wasn't convinced. Luckily, Tarun Katiyal [CEO, Zee5] and I were on the same page regarding the material. He then suggested that I read the script of The Final Call. I realised that it would be one of the most challenging characters I've played.

The show deals with depression, something that is not often discussed on screen.
One of the main reasons I did the show was to create awareness about the subject. Since it has dropped online, I have got several messages saying that we have depicted it with sensitivity. Depression is a mental condition that can occur due to various reasons, including stress. Sometimes a person harbours negative feelings because things aren't going his way. In some cases, it is a chemical imbalance; at other times, it could be bipolarism. So, it's important to recognise the issue and seek help accordingly. In our society, many feel that going to a psychiatrist is taboo, but it is necessary for a person to discuss his emotional state.

Was it tough to get into the psyche of a troubled pilot?
Understanding the mind of a character requires you to draw from different experiences. It was a draining process. Vijay Lalwani [director] read up about what happens to fighter pilots. He told me how most fighter pilots go into depression after retirement. It can be because of the missing adrenaline rush or simply, post-traumatic stress disorder. Many of them don't sleep with their family because they have nightmares and fear hurting them in their sleep. I tried to bring in this struggle in my character.

This is the first time that you have explored the OTT platform. What has been your understanding so far?
The digital platform is a completely different ball game. It is a great medium because it allows creative minds to showcase their work, which otherwise wouldn't have seen the light of day. While it has a wider reach, the competition is also stiff. That's why quality is paramount. We have to compete with the likes of House Of Cards and Game Of Thrones. We don't have the same budgets, but we cannot put out anything that looks shabby or cheap.

In the long run, do you think OTT will replace theatres?
Cinema isn't going anywhere; it is the mother of all formats. The OTT platform cannot replace it. It has surely raised the bar and made filmmakers conscious of showcasing good content, failing which the audience will not come to cinema halls. So, the way forward is to make larger-than-life films or provide interesting content.

Hiren Kotwani (DNA; August 25, 2018)

The one thing constant about Arjun Rampal in the 18 years that he has been in the film industry is his cheerful disposition. Irrespective of what may be playing on his mind, he always has a smile on his face and is brimming with optimism. Last seen in Daddy (2017), which he also produced, the actor is gung-ho about his upcoming release, J P Dutta’s Paltan, which is backed by Zee Studios. He plays Lt Col Rai Singh, the Commanding Officer of 2 Grenadiers who played an important role in the 1967 Indo-China clash at Nathu La along the Sikkim border.

In a freewheeling chat, he talks about the importance of this chapter in India’s history, the armed forces’ dedication at the border and in times of natural calamities like the recent Kerala floods as well as his production plans. Yes, even though his biopic on the gangster-turned-politician didn’t fare well commercially, Arjun remains undeterred in making movies on stories that he wants to tell. Read on...

What does playing a man in a uniform mean to you?
It depends on the film you’re doing. If it’s something like Paltan, in which you are portraying a real-life character, then your responsibility increases tremendously. If you’re playing a fictional person, then you can take liberties. This movie is based on true incidents. When I first heard about it from J P sir, I was shocked that there was a fight between India and China in 1967, after 1962, in which our soldiers were massacred. It was a brave feat and this chapter should be included in our history books. It’s extremely special for me to tell this kind of a story. In fact, most of us who star in the film have some connect with the armed forces. Either someone’s grandfather, father or uncle had been in the army, so they’ve lived in cantonment areas and interacted with the personnel on a day-to-day basis.

How do you see the 1967 Nathu La and Cho La clashes as compared to the Battle of Longewala on the basis of which JP made Border (1997) or the Kargil war that was made as LOC Kargil (2003)?
In 1967, Sikkim was not a part of India. The King of Sikkim had asked Indian forces to give them protection. So, we were protecting a territory that was not a part of the nation. After 1962, there was a lot of anger, fear and conflict with China. When you speak to someone like J P sir, who is well-versed with history, the way he talks of 1962 makes sense. That was not a war. For a war to happen, a chain of events lead to that situation, both sides are alert, they prepare themselves and warn each other before the first attack.

In 1955, Pandit Nehru had suggested that Chairman Mao Zedong-led China be made a part of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). We were trying to maintain good ties with our neighbours. But in 1962, they attacked us all of a sudden and massacred not just our soldiers, but also killed many civilians. In 1967, we had gone to protect Sikkim, knowing the history of 1962 and gave China a bloody nose. Maj Gen Sagat Singh and Lt Col Rai Singh, the characters played by Jackie Dada (Shroff) and me respectively, say ‘Let’s put a fence and seal the border.’ That’s a conflict, both the countries were prepared and it led to the clashes. In 1971, too, there was conflict. We knew the Pakistan troops were coming. All talks had gone down the drain and it was important to have our army there. I don’t think 1962 gave us a fair chance.

Why do you think it’s important to tell this story?
For the morale of our army. When you talk of making a film on unsung heroes, these are our unsung heroes. If we had not held our ground, as Jackie Dada’s character says in the trailer, ‘We cannot leave Nathu La,’ then the ground reality there would have been different today. It was eight years after this clash with China that Sikkim formally became a part of India in April-May 1975. The whole map would have changed if this event had not happened.

What do you attribute the flawed historical narrative over the years to?
It was all politically manipulated. When you see the film, you will know.

Do you see this film being a part of the course correction?
I want it to be and I hope so. I don’t know why it’s not there, but it’s an important part of Indian history. What our soldiers had done then, is there for you to see today. If you go to Nathu La, you’ll find the barbed wire fence there. There are statues of our soldiers and roads are named after them. They were awarded Param Vir Chakra and Mahavir Chakra for their bravery.

While you feel a sense of pride and responsibility in playing characters based on real soldiers, do people’s extreme views about the army upset you?
Definitely. I think the army is one organisation that works beautifully without interference. If more people get involved in its business, corruption will seep in. The army should remain an incorruptible institute. People who try to influence deals by immoral ways should be kept away. Being in the army is a selfless and honourable job. They are risking and sacrificing their lives to make sure all of us have a good life and make this nation grow. So, yes, it is upsetting when people try to malign the army. I think they should be protected by us civilians as well as politicians and bureaucrats who are required to be in touch with them. Take the Kerala floods for example; they are like Gods in uniform. The kind of work our soldiers are doing is commendable and should be lauded.

Tell us about the challenges that you faced while shooting in a rough terrain like Ladakh.
At a point beyond Khardung La, which is the highest point, the temperature was minus 28 degrees. We were told that we can expose ourselves to this climate only for two hours, following which water would start filling our lungs. Marching through while shooting the song was tough. Another challenge was using real guns and bullets. We had to be careful and ensure that we didn’t hurt anyone. The reason behind using real arms and ammunition was that you have to feel you are in a war. Otherwise, we’ve seen how actors fire all around when fake guns and blanks are used. Here, you could see where the bullets were leaving their marks.

J P Dutta has a reputation of being a tough taskmaster, too.
That’s what I thought before I met him. But he is the most amazing director to work with. His knowledge about cinema, armed forces, his personal connect with them and his passion are inspiring. He wanted to get this film out in its purest form. The only request he makes is you have to submit yourself to him, let him take you on this ride and he knows what he wants. The clarity and focus he works with, his intent is very pure. However, not many know that he has a terrific sense of humour. Also, he’s always on his feet. So, while filming, we would be standing, too, hoping he would sit so that even we could. For him to complete a trilogy of war films with Paltan is a correct choice and I’m glad to be a part of it. In fact, the whole Dutta family looked after us and made us feel a part of the family.

Indian cinema, more so the Hindi film industry doesn’t make too many war movies or historicals. Do you think there’s a certain cynicism or skepticism about our past?
I don’t know. It’s up to the filmmaker and how he can capture it well on screen. It also depends on how such films fare commercially. If Paltan does well, it will encourage more filmmakers to tell our historical stories. Not war films per se, but about incidents that many people don’t know much about. We have such a vast history, full of diversity — the Mughal invasion, British coming in as traders and ruling us, our fight for independence. There are so many stories to tell. It’s now the responsibility of the younger generation of actors. Besides, with many actors also being producers, hopefully, we’ll see more such movies.

What’s next after Paltan?
There are three movies, but I’m contemplating which one to start first. Two of them are my productions — one is a fantasy film and the other is a thriller. So, we’ll begin prep after mid-September. I wanted to finish Paltan first. After its release, I’ll have a clearer idea. Web is also an exciting phase. The idea is to create good content, experiment with diverse genres and stories. The kind of scripts I’m getting, some are real stories — one is a horror story and if done correctly, it will make for interesting viewing. There’s also a true story of a conman that I’m reading.

Lasyapriya Sundaram (BOMBAY TIMES; June 21, 2018)

In a quick chat with BT, Arjun Rampal talks about his upcoming films Paltan and Nastik, how his choice of roles have changed and why it’s tougher today to attract audiences to the theatres. Excerpts...

Your next is Paltan, a film that revolves around the Indo-China War. Even your last project Daddy (2017) wasn’t a typical commercial film. You seem to be at a stage, where you’re willing to take some risks to make the kind of cinema that you believe in...
Paltan is based on a true incident. My character is based on a person named Colonel Rai Singh. The story revolves around India and China and because my grandfather was an army man, I have seen that life very closely while growing up. In fact, I was referred to as the ARTY boy by the Ladakh Scouts as my nanaji was in the artillery. And there is no better person than JP Dutta to make a film about the army. On the other hand, Nastik, directed Shailesh Varma, is a slice-of-life film. I play a cop who is a loner. The people of his town have faith in God, while he is an atheist. The story revolves around the concept of faith vs doubt.

Today, the audiences have various avenues to consume content. As a producer, does it get tougher to draw viewers to the theatres?
Audiences want to go to the theatres only to watch a spectacle. It’s a great time to be a producer because all kinds of films are being watched on various platforms. There was a time when people would make a film and it would end up in a can, but that’s not going to happen anymore. The availability of multiple platforms is a game changer in the sense that your film will see the light of day. More venues to watch indie films need to be created. The ticket prices need to be kept low to attract people to the theatres. It’s better for a film to release than for it to not be seen at all.

At the same time, the focus should be on creating good content and putting out interesting subjects to be lapped up. Today, a film helmed by a big name doesn’t necessarily get the footfall...
When you have a big star, you are guaranteed a certain opening because they have a huge fan base and people come to watch their films. They have cultivated a loyalty among audiences. When a film doesn’t work, the audience has rejected it because they haven’t been able to connect with it and that can happen to any actor.

Despite content being hailed, writers are not given their due in the industry...
We don’t have a culture of holding workshops for writers and neither do we encourage script doctoring. Most directors write their own scripts. You could be a great director, but an awful writer and that’s what happens with us. The script is the backbone. Also, everybody loves a narration and nobody likes reading scripts in our industry. So, the writer has to be an orator who is able to tell the story to the actors. I think that’s one of the reasons why writers in our industry are not being able to realise their full potential. However, things are changing.

You are one of the few male actors who didn’t shy away from playing a supporting role in a film whose narrative is driven by a woman — case in point being Heroine (2012) with Kareena Kapoor Khan and Kahaani 2 (2016) opposite Vidya Balan…
I believe in the film’s subject, which I consider to be the hero. I don’t listen to people who think otherwise. Also, doing a variety of roles helps one grow as an actor. Male actors might not want to play a supporting role in a film, which is headlined by a female star because they think it could affect their image. Another reason could be that they don’t want to break out of their comfort zone. I don’t believe in succumbing to an image and I like being experimental.

As told to Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; February 19, 2018)

I’ve always wanted to play the guitar but never got down to learning it till I signed Rock On!! The director, Abhishek Kapoor, was very clear that all of us who were part of the rock band Magik had to get close to the instruments we were playing. For Purab Kohli it was the drums, for Luke Kenny the keyboard and for Farhan (Akhtar) and me it was the guitar. I took a lot of classes, around three-four hours of practice every day.

And that wasn’t all. I was also required to watch a lot of videos so the guitar would seem like an extension of me. I remember I saw a lot of Steve Vai videos and also bought a Steve Vai guitar of my own, one that I was comfortable playing. We had to make my character, Joseph Mascarenhas, look like one of the boys from the by-lanes of Bandra, with a guitar strung on his back and I think I eventually pulled Joe off on screen because the performance bagged me the National Award for Best Supporting Actor and also the Filmfare Black Lady.

Another character that I could really dive into was Prithvi from Raajneeti. He was a politician and the film’s director, Prakash Jha, described him as a “caged tiger”, underlining the fact that he wanted Prithvi to move in a particular way, with arrogance and aristocracy since he came from a second or maybe it was third generation of a family of politicians. I researched history of certain political families to figure out how these guys dressed, their gait and the confidence with which they spoke. At the same time, Prithvi was also a people’s person so he had to be out there. Usually I’m more comfortable in a space where I don’t have to overact but this character couldn’t be subtle and underplayed. I had to make him loud without being a caricature.

When it came to his look, all the ideas came from Prakash Jha. He always wanted me to wear a stole and I was petrified because the last time I had carried one was on the ramp, during my modelling days and I was hoping that wouldn’t become an impediment. I realized later that the way the stole was draped made the character larger-than-life. My one input was to wear sneakers with kurta-pajama. I had observed that all politicians wear sneakers when they go campaigning because of the amount of walking they need to do. But the one thing that Raajneeti really taught me was how to stand in front of the audience and address them right. Actors also have to learn and deliver lines but a speech is something else. You know why politicians take long pauses between lines? It’s because they are waiting for the echo of loudspeakers and the noise of applause to die down before moving on.

For Ashim Ahluwalia’s Daddy it was a different challenge. Since this time I was playing a real-life character (Arun Gawli), I had to be as close to him as possible. It was difficult because I didn’t get to spend too much time with Mr Gawli as he is serving a jail sentence. Whenever he came out, I would meet him and observe him like a hawk. I had about three meetings with him but watched a lot of footage to learn his body language and mannerisms. I also used prosthetic to look like him. We flew down an amazing makeup team from Italy who worked with me for weeks before we went on floors to get the look absolutely right. I also had to lose a lot of weight, look smaller, because Mr Gawli isn’t very tall while I am. So I had to shrink my body by stooping and hunching. But the most important prep was getting the language right.

I had studied Marathi at my school in Deolali since standard eight so I was familiar with it and only had to brush up on it by reading a lot of Marathi, and listening to people speak so I would get the words and accent right. Since it was a Hindi film at the end of the day I didn’t have to speak the language fluently, it was making it sound colloquial that was the real challenge.

Lasyapriya Sundaram (BOMBAY TIMES; January 6, 2018)

While the general perception is that most romantic comedies are hero-centric, Arjun Rampal stresses on the fact that it’s the leading lady who should take charge as opposed to her male counterpart in films of this genre. His belief can’t be misplaced as the actor, who won critical acclaim for his turn as Arun Gawli in last year’s hard-hitting and gritty gangster saga, Daddy, is thinking of producing a romcom next. Even as he admits that he’s drawn to stories rooted in reality, Arjun seems to have decided to change tracks for his next. He says, “It’s an interesting story — a love tale that revolves around different generations of people. I’m only thinking of producing it; I don’t think I will be acting in it. The film will require a good and experienced actress.”

Given his undoubtedly good looks and acting chops to boot, Arjun would make for the ideal leading man in a romcom. So, why doesn’t he want to act in the film? He promptly replies, “I have nothing against romantic comedies as long as they are driven by the leading lady.”

Meanwhile, the actor-producer seems undeterred by Daddy not drawing in the crowds at the cinemas, even though he had hoped that it would. “We got good reviews. It is a unique film and I am proud to be associated with it as a producer and an actor. The film is getting nominations in all departments of filmmaking. We went out to do something with integrity and it’s been appreciated,” says Arjun. Admitting that he was disappointed that the movie didn’t do well outside Maharashtra, he sums it up, saying, “People didn’t go into the theatres to watch the film in the North and the South. Perhaps, they didn’t connect with the character. As a producer, it was disappointing that the film didn’t get the box office going, though it was good. But you live and learn.”

Arjun Rampal on destiny, stardom, and his daughters who have him "wrapped around their fingers"
Deebashree Mohanty (TIMES LIFE; October 8, 2017)

Would you say you had a very filmi struggle story?
I haven't had an easy one for sure. And I am happy that way. If that journey was easy, you would end up being extremely ordinary. I know a lot of people who have it all right at the beginning or get stuck in a particular image and start believing in it. So, I am glad I have gone through this tough drill because there are a lot of good things that happen on the way.

A lot of things in your life happened due to one happy accident ­ getting spotted at a nightclub by Rohit Bal...
I don't think anything is an accident. I strongly believe in destiny; certain things are predestined. Now, when I look back at my modelling days and what it lead to, I feel as if I was made for the world of glamour and cinema.

Have you ever found it hard to continue with the struggle in B-town?
I am a bull. I don't give up. If I believe something can get better, I will give it my all. The industry has helped in making me stronger. A slew of misses can teach you a lot.

Your takeaway from the failures...
I would rather be hated for someone I am than be loved for somebody I am not. To be real and original, and not be lost, is the biggest life lesson. The other thing I have learnt the hard way is not to fly too high because eventually you will fall. How you rise in the industry is also important. If you have got to the top by stepping on someone or pulling someone down, remember that there is a possibility that you will meet them again. That meeting is not going to be very pleasant.

But sudden failure can hurt...
It can be very, very depressing. Every artiste is yearning for an opportunity to work, and when they die out, it's frustrating. I've also had a low phase. I remember walking into a room full of successful people and wondering why I don't have it. There was even a time when I thought all my movies were jinxed. Thankfully, those days are gone.

Do you feel insecure about being a part of ensemble films?
I don't get insecure about anything because I am confident and smart enough to choose the best role in any given film.

Do you like the fame that comes with your profession?
I love it. That's why I am here. I love people's adulation. In fact, I would be very embarrassed (and sad) if I walk around and no one recognizes me. But I want to be in the news for my work and not for being a regular handsome hunk! I don't crave for that kind of fame all the time.

What's the most disturbing thing about Bollywood?
The fact that we don't make world cinema. Why do we only have to think of territories? The other thing that irks me is the importance attached to whether a film will work or not. I don't think it can be calculated. They have to be made from the heart.

How do you deal with controversies regarding your marriage, link-ups...
I have stopped taking them to heart. Nothing irks me anymore. I just recognize the truth and reality of the situation and move on.

Do you think true friendship exists in Bollywood?
This is a close-knit industry, but if you are very giving, you often end up giving too much. Sometimes, you have to take a step back.

Do you indulge your daughters?
Yes I do and I don't feel guilty. My daughters know what to do exactly to get my attention. Like when they shop online, they come to me for the credit card. This is one moment when they have me around their little finger.

Are you a protective father?
My girls are like my buddies. Both of them have a good sense of humour. I think this new generation is very different from what we used to be as kids. My daughters are responsible too.