Q: We’re going to talk about Oscar and the movies, so let’s start with Slumdog Millionaire. Did you see it? Did you like it?
A: I sure did. All of the above. I liked the fact that that movie could have been set anywhere and still been a fantastic film.
Q: Do you think the movie will do anything for perceptions of the subcontinent and for Indian people?
A: I mean, after such a huge sweep like that I think it will only give it some good attention that we’ve been lacking for many, many years. So I think it’s a good thing. It’s probably a double-edged sword, though. Now every product that comes out with any kind of Indian twang to it will always be compared to that.
Q: Hollywood can’t leave good enough alone so there’s bound to be sequels and knock-offs . . .
A: There’ll be Slumdog Deal or No Deal. There’ll be a Canadian version, Slumdog Definition.
Q: Now that Indians have conquered the Oscars, what’s next?
A: I think next year the Oscar’s going to be wrapped in a sari, a little turban on the Oscar guy. They’ll put a little red dot in the centre of Oscar’s forehead. Next for us is we’ll just fade back into the background. Or go backwards. Maybe we’ll get the Emmys next year, or some of the lesser awards, you know?
Q: What about Benjamin Button? Did you see that one?
A: I didn’t see it because I don’t want to see any movie where Brad Pitt just gets better looking throughout the film.
Q: Do you think Sean Penn deserved to win over Mickey Rourke for Best Supporting Actor?
A: I never saw Milk but I think Mickey really, really nailed his character in The Wrestler, and I think it was almost a bit of a snub on the part of the Academy. It feels like their decision wasn’t based on calibre of performance. I mean, I’m sure Sean Penn really murdered his role, but it’s one of those things where with all the Proposition 8 stuff happening in California, and the political climate, this is the way they thought it should go. I guess they’re not wrong in giving it to Sean Penn but I think Mickey Rourke would have been a more deserving victor.
Q: You saw him, obviously, at the Oscars. He looked like he was still in character.
A: No, he’s just slow and alcoholic-looking, that’s all. It’s Mickey—the hands are all dirty and puffy and slow. I mean, those look like little Vienna sausages on his hands . . .
Q: You saw he was wearing that little medallion of his dog around his neck.
A: His dog just died the other day, right?
