The 5-Minute Interview: Amitabh Bachcan, Actor

'We deliver poetic justice in 3 hours'

The Bollywood screen icon, Amitabh Bachchan, 65, is starring in 'Baabul', released today. Bachchan visited England in November to promote the International Indian Film Academy Awards Ceremony to be held in Yorkshire in June next year

If I weren't talking to you right now I'd be...

Sleeping. I arrived in England two days ago and I still haven't got over my jetlag. I'm going to Leeds today to promote the event in June 2007. It's not just about acknowledging the awards for prominent artists but also bringing about a culture of co-operation.

I wish people would take more notice of...

Peace, friendship and love for each other. There are areas in today's politics that are causing hatred and the people that are getting affected are innocent. Bollywood films deliver poetic justice in just three hours and it's a very uplifting experience.

The most surprising thing that happened to me was...

Becoming a film actor. This is a dream world. I went door to door trying to sell myself with my face and worked my way up.

A common misperception of me is...

We [film stars] tend to take the media a little lightly. I haven't really analysed myself but I hope they think kindly of me.

I am not a politician but...

I would happily associate myself with an organisation that would provide any kind of benefits to the common man.

The ideal night out is...

I barely get any leisure time. I'm shooting, I endorse products, look after my family. I have an ailing mother who I have to get back to. I look forward to spending time with my family.

You know me as a actor but in truer life I'd have been a...

I guess I would have been a milk man if I hadn't been in the movies. The city that I come from, Allahabad, is famous for breeding cows and milk.

Sara Newman