Posted on 4/30/06 at 02:23 PM
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Life beyond ‘Shantaram’Life beyond ‘Shantaram’ Preeti Raghunath
Sunday, April 30, 2006 18:50 IST
Author Gregory David Roberts talks on the film adaptation, wanting to cast Charlize Theron and his advice for Salman Khan.
Lin baba, kasa kai? you call out and he smiles. Gregory David Roberts aka Lin stepped out of the leaves of Shantaram for a book signing session at JW Marriott last week.
Fans thronged the event to get a glimpse of the long-haired writer, to ask him about Karla or about his sequel which will be out at the end of this year.
Heading to the Bahamas in June to meet with Johnny Depp and director Peter Weir for the movie based on his book, he says, “We start shooting on November 1, but I’ve been busy travelling around the world giving speeches.”
The casting team are auditioning for Indian actors from South Africa, UK, Canada and Australia. “I think Charlize Theron is the best actor on this planet and would suit the role of Karla just right! There’s also Monica Bellucci, Naomi Watts, Jennifer Connelly and Kate Beckinsale who could play the part,” he adds.
From being a criminal to now being wined and dined by high-society, the transition for Roberts has been fairly easy.
“When I was a gunda, I never hurt anyone. I was helping people and am able to continue now,” he says. Life post Shantaram has meant less time for him. “My life remains the same – I still chill at Leopold, ride my bike, start my morning with idli sambar and sada chai. I think it’s tragic if I couldn’t be myself!” he exclaims.
Roberts has set up a Shantaram Trust to eradicate TB from South Mumbai, continues his work with Happy Motorcycles and has started a film company called Satorii Films. “We go on our bikes to jhopadpattis, pick up people who have TB and take them to hospitals,” he explains.
Having personally gone to penitentiary hell and back, ask him if he has any pearls of wisdom for Salman Khan, and he says, “I have the same wish for every artiste – that they’re free and continue to create beautiful art.”
r_preeti@dnaindia.net