How come Shabana Azmi agreed to fill in for you on Indian Idol?
I had to choose between the show and San Francisco for a conclave where I had to speak on creativity. Shabana agreed to fill my seat for an episode. I went
peacefully. I was quite anxious on how would she handle it.. but I'm proud that she did complete justice to the role of a judge.What was the trip all about?
It was a conference of people from different walks of life to talk on their core areas of discipline. Hillary Clinton spoke on politics. I spoke on harnessing creativity. It was fulfilling to interact with young minds and experts.
What do you think about Sholay's remake by Ram Gopal Varma?
A film made nearly 32 years ago has had such an impact on every generation. There have been ads revolving around the characters, people have produced gags. Lines of dialogue from Sholay are still spoken at functions and shows.
Sholay has been the most powerful script of all time. Actually, whether it's Ram Gopal Varma or anyone else who remakes Sholay, leaves me indifferent and amused.
Even Mughal-e-Azam had shades of Anarkali. But Ben-hur is among the few classics which has never been re-attempted.. there was no scope left for another version.
How has your father Jaan Nisar Akhtar's poetry influenced you?
As a writer and poet, I've read the finest authors and poets, nationally and internationally in English and Urdu. I have the highest regards for abba's work.
He was a fine poet. I've read his work all the time all my life but it's difficult for me to gauge how much his thoughts inspire me.
Do you remember any piece of his advice?
When I was a kid, he told me, "Beta, it's easy to write tough lines but tough to write easy lines."
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