I have very vague memories of having received an SMS from Danny Boyle. It didn’t immediately register that I was being approached by the famous director but my kids were extremely excited when I mentioned the SMS to them. In fact, they pushed me to explore the project. I went through the script and the role and really liked it.

Were you familiar with Boyle’s films?

I’d seen The Beach but only for Leonardo DiCaprio. And I was familiar with Trainspotting. And though I had the inkling that it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to do a Hollywood film, trust me, I had no idea how big Danny Boyle is when I took up the project.

Then what made you sign on?

This film’s a first in many ways. It’s my first English film and it’s my first Hollywood project. Also, not many commercial Bollywood actors have been approached by Hollywood directors in the past—most have been ‘arty’.

What is your role like?

I play Prem, the host and the producer of the game show, in the film. It’s a character in an urban setting and very believable—I could relate to him. When I read the script I realised Prem’s role has many layers. He also has shades of grey—he’s a tad insecure of the Dev Patel’s character despite the fact that he himself has risen from poverty.

Slumdog Millionaire has used Kaun Banega Crorepati as reference point. Did you use Amitabh Bachchan or Shah Rukh Khan as reference points too or did you reinvent the character?

I hardly had a reference point because playing host in only a part of my role. There’s a lot about Prem as a human being in the film and that of course could not have been derived. Even as a host, I have attempted my own style and Danny gave me enough freedom to do so.

The film’s made with primarily Indian cast and crew. What do you think works for the film and makes it award-worthy?

I think the simplicity of it. When I saw the film for the first time I realised that the story is very basic and the film is made with minimum extravaganza — it’s a film you and I could’ve made. But a closer look reveals the fabulous technical skills involved: the background score, A R Rahman’s soundtrack, the editing, the lighting and the shooting locales.

What was Boyle like?