He has a problem talking about his current affair, but he's happy to discuss current affairs.
He has a problem talking about his current affair, but he's happy to discuss current affairs. From J Dey's murder to Baba Ramdev's fast, we know we've lucked out when we find Abhay Deol in a chatty mood. Soon we realise that the actor isn't so monosyllabic when it comes to matters close to his heart. Gearing up for his next release, Abhay talks to CS about the role of the media in today's world and a celebrity's life:
WHO: Abhay Deol
WHAT: Talks about the media and its power
WHERE: At a film studio 
Pic/ Santosh Nagwekar
Word's worth
What happened to J Dey is truly unfortunate, but I'm happy to see the media up in arms. I think you guys have to stick together till you find the answers we're all looking for. Otherwise a journalist will never feel safe in this country. The media wields a lot of power and I don't have to recount cases to point out the number of times it's played a role in ensuring justice. But I think its unfortunate that people like Erom Sharmila (who's been fasting for 10 years for the cause of peace in Manipur) are ignored and others like Baba Ramdev and Anna Hazare hog the limelight. Often, the media just latches onto something that's making news and overdoes it.
Off the chest
I was surprised when they made such a big deal of the fact that I hadn't taken off my shirt while filming a scene, which captured Spain's famous Tomatina festival. I'd casually mentioned that I refused to do it because my chest wasn't waxed and my stylist seemed to think that the tomato pulp would get stuck if I went shirtless. It was as simple as that. But ever since this made news, every journalist has asked me about this incident. I'm amazed at the importance that's given to nudity, even male nudity! Having said that, I promise you that I don't have any qualms going without my shirt. In fact, I'm also happy doing an item number, if I'm asked to do one. I haven't said this before, but who knows you'll see me doing one soon.
Media mania
I concede that I'm perceived as reclusive and media-shy. But that's only because I've seen the media up close since I was a child and I know where to draw the line. I understand that we share a give and take relationship. But I also know that the media will chase a guy who's a hit and drop him like a hot brick when he's not. I've never chased the media. I want them to come to me because my work is good. When people make a big deal out of me, I just want to run away and hide. The first time I saw fans shivering around me, I couldn't understand what was happening. I still can't. I mean I wouldn't ever shiver, unless maybe I was with the Dalai Lama. But I'm not complaining!
ADVERTISEMENT
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
