TWF correspondent Vickey Lalwani meets Dev Anand to talk about his latest film 'Mr Prime Minister' and lots more!

Q: Tell us something about 'Mr Prime Minister'.
A: 'Mr Prime Minister' is about a London billionaire who is visiting Kutch in Gujarat to understand how the donation he sent for the earthquake victims was spent. While he is there, an earthquake strikes and he gets trapped in the rubble of a building, loses his memory and starts selling newspapers on the streets of Bhachau town.

Q: Please continue...
A: He becomes very popular, so popular that he is forced to contest parliamentary elections. He wins by a landslide. Finally he is within striking distance of becoming prime minister when he recovers his memory. The story takes a dramatic turn and becomes politically charged.

Q: What is your role in 'Mr Prime Minister'?
A: I play the role of Johnny Master, who sells newspapers in a small earthquake-ravaged town in Bachhau, Gujarat.

Q: What statement are you making in the film?
A: I have showed that any Indian can stand up proudly and fight for his rights, as we are the biggest democracy in the world.

Q: What is your film's USP?
A: Honestly, I feel 'Mr Prime Minister' is a much better film than 'Guide'. There are many twists and turns in my film. The climax scenes have too many shocks, which I can't disclose now; else the whole essence and hard work will go down the drain.

Q: Where have you shot 'Mr Prime Minister'?
A: I have shot the film at virgin locales in the UK and Italy. In India, I shot my film in Kutch, Bhuj Palace, Karjat, Lonavala and Matheran, besides Bachhau in Gujarat.

Q: How long will you go on making films?
A: Why should I stop? I will go on dreaming and producing daring subjects. I will continue making films.

Q: You have acted in so many films and yourself directed many. Which are your favourite films?
A: Every film has left a memory. 'Guide' was made twice, once in Hindi and once in English. 'Hare Rama Hare Krishna' involved two and a half months of shooting in Kathmandu.

'Des Pardes' addressed the theme of illegal immigration in England. I have enjoyed all my films, whether they ran or not. All are equally dear to me.

Q: What's next?
A: Next I am making 'Beauty Queen'. I will be launching 'Beauty Queen' in January 2006 and will complete the entire shooting in less than three months. I will still continue to make films.

Q: Have you finalised the cast of 'Beauty Queen'?
A: I have finalised a boy from a college in Mumbai, and two young girls -one from Nepal and another from England - to play the main leads in 'Beauty Queen'. But I will announce the cast later. Right now, my only priority is 'Mr Prime Minister'.

Q: You have never hidden your age?
A: I never hide my age. It is just that I never considered it important to talk about it. So, I am 81. Does that make me feel old? I feel like I have the energy of a 24-year-old and the innocence of a 12-year-old. Only those who have nothing to do count their years.

Q: How about joining politics?
A: Why should I join politics? If one gets into politics, it becomes a whole-time job. You have to think politics, eat politics, sleep politics. It's a cold-blooded profession. Joining politics is not in my mind. I do not think, my joining politics as of now can be of use.

Q:What do you feel about the present-day actors and actresses?
A: The newcomers are all good. They have been very lucky. They have got an exposure which we did not get.