Quotes from Victor Banerjee

It is pitiful working in the industry and I see the flaws all the time. Though, if I have to watch something, then I prefer either horror or comedy because I don't know how those genres really work.

My father was a tea planter and I grew up in different parts of Assam as his job took him there.

I have said a lot of 'yeses' to lots of first-time film-makers. Lots, lots, lots. I admire them a lot, I respect them a lot. It is of greatest pride to be working with someone's first film - like being given a Nobel Prize or an Oscar.

Commercial Bengali movies are all crass imitation of Telugu and Tamil movies. There are only a handful of directors like Rituparno Ghosh, Aparna Sen and Gautam Ghose who make quality films.

I've been involved with disability activities for over 40 years. I have done programs with several disabled children and involving them makes the performance genuinely heartwarming.

My wife Maya Bhate is from Pune. My daughters Diya and Keya, and I, are regular visitors to the city, since her family is based here.

I think Rajinikanth is the biggest Indian star. While others do facelifts and wear wigs, he gets paid three times more than any Bollywood star and even gives interviews where he is bald!

We all mouth the fact that material possessions don't make you happy but we still pursue them.

Make it compulsory that at least four weeks in a year the theaters have to screen local films and let them choose the time. That's how you have to encourage the industry.

Both Ram Gopal Varma and Subhash Ghai are great directors and it was a great experience working with them.

I got 'Jogger's Park' perhaps because one fellow Bengali Sachin Bhowmick, who's the writer of the movie, recommended my name. Then Ram Gopal Varma was kind enough to offer me a role in 'Bhoot.'

I personally think our national anthem is not patriotic enough. There is another poem by Dwijendralal Ray called 'Dhono Dhanne Pushpe Bhora,' which is more soul-stirring as a national anthem.

Perhaps it is that great suffering is necessary to produce great art.

I can play lots of nationalities: Greeks, South Americans, Arabs, all sorts.

Really, I've had enough of fame. Now I just want money.

It was a wonderful childhood. They spoiled me rotten.

The Dimasa people are one of the gentlest people I have come across. They are wonderful people.

You know, the last time America sensationalized an actor from India, the man died a poor, miserable soul: He was Sabu, the elephant boy. He came here and was the toast of Hollywood. And he just went back to India and died a pauper.

As for 'Jogger's Park,' it was refreshing to work with Anant Balani. As a director he's cool as a cucumber.

It's one thing to be chosen to play Dr. Aziz, but to play Christ, which is traditionally regarded as a blond and blue-eyed part, was a great thing.

There are quality films being made in all languages, whether in Hindi cinema, Bengali or the south. Bollywood doesn't represent Indian cinema, per say.

I was born a Hindu, I shall die a Hindu.

One of the greatest attributes most Hindus have is acceptance.

'Apne' was a disaster. Anil Sharma hired me for three months, but it took a year-and-a-half.