What was your first impression of Bollywood?
I didn't know there was anything called Bollywood till I met Rakesh and Anurag in LA. All my life, I knew there was the Indian film industry, but the name Bollywood was foreign to me. I hadn't watched any Indian movie, but knew that the industry is very popular and makes the maximum number of movies.
Rakesh had heard my name from someone and he started asking people about me and the work I'd done. He watched my last film and got in touch with my agent.
The credit goes to Anurag for a fantastic narration. The way he told me the story and narrated each and every small scene, I was simply mesmerised. I was absorbed in the story of this boy and girl who don't speak the same language. Even though the language was foreign to me, I could see the story unravel in my head. It was the most beautiful love story I had ever heard. That's when I decided to be a part of the film.
When did you hear about Hrithik?
I didn't know who he was until Rakesh told me to come to LA and watch Jodhaa Akbar. When I saw the film I was simply stunned, but I was like, 'this film is three hours long!!' I kept thinking who this guy was, walking around like a king, wearing an armour and looking so handsome. I simply loved that film, and then later, I saw his other films like Lakshya, Koi Mil Gaya, Kaho Naa Pyar Hai. Then I went on YouTube and checked how hugely popular he was and how big his family is. I googled him and realised he has a huge fan following not just in India, but the world over.
Seen any Hindi film that doesn't star Hrithik?
No, but I know a little bit more about the industry now. I know that you guys have really long movies and love dancing and singing in them. I would love to watch more films, if only I understood the language.
Do people know Hrithik or Bollywood back home in Mexico?
No, they don't know Hrithik neither are they aware about Bollywood. But when I tell my fans I worked on an Indian movie, they get super-excited. They wouldn't get that excited if I was working for a Hollywood film. They are waiting to see Kites.
Do you know what Kites is called in Hindi?
No, I don't know! Can you please tell me. The only Hindi line I can speak is 'Main ullu ki patthi hoon'. And yes, I know that it doesn't mean 'I love you'.
Have you managed to pick up any Hindi words?
Not really, but Anurag has taught me some juicy abuses which I keep practicing! I think if I were to talk in Spanish it would be hard for you to understand. It's a very difficult language to learn. Similarly, I have got accustomed to Hindi now. But the real problem was English. I don't speak English, and the English spoken here is heavily accented, so getting to learn that was also tedious. There were times when Anurag would speak so fast that I thought he was talking in Hindi, but he was actually speaking in English. Hrithik would come and tell me, 'It's okay. You don't have to get nervous'. He would translate it for me and make me understand. He has really been of great help.
Did you get a chance to meet any B-Town actors?
Yes, I know that Shah Rukh Khan is the biggest star in the country. In fact, I got a chance to meet him and his wife Gauri when Hrithik and Sussanne took me to his house. Gauri was such a warm host and very sweet to me. Then, last year, for Hrithik's birthday, I met Priyanka Chopra, She seemed like a really nice girl. But otherwise, I don't know anyone else.
Have you heard of Katrina Kaif?
No, but I know Kareena. I bumped into her at the airport the other day. Who is Katrina?
Well, Katrina, just like you, isn't an Indian. She couldn't speak Hindi, but today is one of the most popular actresses..
Then I should definitely meet her. Maybe I will tell Hrithik to introduce me to her. I always thought Aishwarya was the most popular actress!
What do you do when you aren't working?
I love spending time with my son and friends. I try and spend as much time with my son as possible.
Any plans to bring your son to Mumbai?
He wanted to join me, but he's 12 and has exams so he couldn't join me. I only got to see Goa, but haven't had the time to see Mumbai yet. I was also planning to go to Taj in Agra but even that hasn't happened yet. I definitely want to see more of India. Also my son is a huge fan of Hrithik since he learnt how to dance from him. He keeps in touch with him. I think Hrithik's sons are adorable. I remember meeting Sussanne for the first time and she was pregnant. She's so beautiful and such a lovely person. Their entire family has made me feel at home.
What next after Kites?
Well, I go back to Mexico and do another film. Then I am producing and acting in a play. I have a production company and doing a play is very exciting. After that, I have been offered another Bollywood film, but I can't disclose anything since things haven't worked out yet.
Your brother Kintaro wants to be a singer, have you been supporting him?
Oh yes, he's very passionate about singing. The other day, I was with him in the recording studio. He's currently recording an album with songs in Hindi, English and Spanish. He's producing it as well. It should be coming out soon.
