Kader Khan, a writer, actor, director par excellence, needs no special introduction. And in spite of his ill health since a long time, he will be seen on the celluloid silver screen in a female director Fauzia Arshi’s upcoming film ‘Hogaya Dimaag Ka Dahi’. Caught up with the veteran actor Kader Khan at the recent media conference of ‘Hogaya Dimaag Ka Dahi’ held at Raheja Classic Club. At the same conference other veteran actors like Om Puri & Razzak Khan strongly felt that it is high time that the Government bestowed on him the most prestigious honours of a Padmashree or a Padmabushan at least at this age & stage and moreover he very well deserves it. Present herewith is an ad verbatim interactive session with the funster.

How would you describe your film journey down the years in a nutshell?

It may sound cliched but yes I had started out as an actor in college, whose name I forget in fact I have to try very hard to recollect my past. Anyways Yusuf Sahab alias Dilip Kumar got a wind of this play and expressed his desire to see it. So I went all out & got the play restaged. I am sure he must have liked the play, I don’t know whether he liked my acting in it or not but he instantly asked me to join films & signed me for not one but two films namely ‘Sagina Mahto’ & ‘Bairaag’. And then, of course, there was no looking back for me. But of course you can say that my mainstream commercial debut was with Yash Raj Films ‘Daag’ as a prosecuting attorney.

So when did you make a transition from an actor to a writer?

I think I first became a dialogue writer with the film ‘Unees Bees’. Mujhe ab bhi yaad hai, two young teenage boys named Rauf & Vinay had come to me and just like that asked me to write the dialogues for their script of ‘Unees Bees’. I agreed very hesitatingly and I often used to wonder during the making of the film, “Aakhir mujhe hi kyun chuna?”. I think the producer was Parmeshwaren and yes that was my 1st ever fling with the South Indian Producers. And I soon got my answer when Rauf Vinay & myself won rave reviews for our efforts. And then there was no looking back as I had started picking up writing assignments too.

And what made you turn a director?

After gaining a lot of experience in acting & writing one fine day, just like that, I decided to make a film. And the result was ‘Shama’. It was a burning film with a burning issue and, of course, quite ahead of its time. And, of course, ‘Shama’ became the milestone film of my career. And I am seriously thinking now of making its remake.

Which was the turning point in your career?

The turning point of my career as an actor & a writer was when I was picked up for South Indian films courtesy I think Jeetendra, but I am sorry I don’t remember who introduced me to South Indian films or was it the South Indian producers who picked me up.

Who was instrumental in the success of your career?

Sorry I don’t remember and I can’t remember any one particular person who was responsible for this, but regardless of that I would like to thank one and all, the producers, the directors, the writers, as I have worked with other writers too, the co – stars and of course most importantly the technicians & the unit hands too, without which an actor just can’t survive.

Did bagging an award mattered to you then?

Yes! “Jab fans aur critics taarif karte hain toh bahut acha lagta hai and when you bag a prestigious awards like a filmfare it puts a final stamp on your talent. And I am happy that I bagged awards galore but when I bagged several filmfare awards I felt as if I had won the Oscars.

Of late your health is not well yet you continue doing films. How come?

It is all because I love my profession “Aur agar aap sabki dua rahi to main zindagi ki aakri saans tak aap sabko entertain karna chahoonga”.

So what is your latest film ‘Hogaya Dimaagh Ka Dahi’ all about?

You see when director Fauzia Arshi offered me ‘Hogaya Dimaagh Ka Dahi’ I had refused point blank, but when she persisted on and on and on I relented as she had promised that it will be very easy for me to enact the role. And believe me my role in ‘Hogaya Dimaag Ka Dahi’ is all about an ailing grandfather who is confined to bed and his entire clan is after his blood to usurp his property. Besides it was lovely working with seasoned actors like me mainly Om Puri, Razzak Khan et al. And not only this I am also acting in a couple of more films including producer Nadiadwala Grandsons, Firoz Nadiadwala & director Anees Bajmee’s ‘Welcome Back’ which is releasing on 4th Sept, 2015.

Lastly tell us how was your experience during your recent Haj pilgrimage to Makkah & Medina?

Of course I am lucky that I could perform my recent Haj pilgrimage in spite of my ill health and my being totally confined to my wheelchair. You know that my firm belief is that Allah – The Almighty always helps those who helps themselves. Period!