Wearing a lavender shirt, with a diamond stud in one ear, Will Smith looks taller off screen than on it. One of Hollywood's biggest stars, rapper Smith is in India for business.
Will Smith
At the launch of Sony's new movie channel, Pix, the actor spoke about meeting Shah Rukh Khan, talking hip-hop with Abhishek Bachchan, and his disappointment at substituting shrimps for chicken…
What have you been up to in the last few days?
I have been meeting people, travelling, and having a good time. I went to Agra and saw the Taj Mahal, which is such an amazing monument. From what I had heard and read about it, the place turned out to be much more grand and magnificent.
Other than that, I met a couple of Bollywood actors, and attended Fardeen and Natasha's party. Before I leave, I plan to meet the Big B – Mr Bachchan. In fact, all he has to do is raise his hand and call my name, and I'll be there to greet him. I plan to meet Shah Rukh Khan today.
I guess you have been off chicken due to the flu…
Yes, and its sad, because I was so excited about having chicken tikka. They have made some shrimp tikka for me, instead. I guess I'll have to do with that for the moment.
Is Aishwarya really a big name in Hollywood, or is that just a myth?
Nah, she's definitely a sought after name in our part of the world. I think what she has done is truly commendable. Aishwarya has truly represented India, not just in Hollywood, but globally as well. I wanted her to work with me in Hitch, but that didn't work out since she was busy doing Bride and Prejudice. Maybe things will materialise in the near future.
Your music has a distinct mark of hip-hop and R&B, are you aware that Abhishek's song in Bluffmaster! also has the same flavour?
Yes, I've heard that joint and I think its what we call a "heater", in rap lingo. In fact, both of us spoke about music and I believe he's working on a new record. It's great to see Indian music incorporate elements of R&B. I did manage to listen to some Indian records and sink into the sounds. In fact, after listening to Abhishek's song, I think I might get some tips from him as well.
Did you have any preconceived notions about India before
your trip. Have they changed?
For me, the word "India" evoked images of beautiful women draped in saris, palaces, tigers and elephants. I think when I met a lot of people, I realised how much of it is the same, and yet different. It feels great to see so many young people independent and doing their own thing, and making the nation proud.
Anupamaa
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