Tampa: If all goes as per plan, Hollywood legend John Travolta may make his Bollywood debut with Oscar-nominated Indian director Shekhar Kapur’s futuristic film Paani.
“He’s asked me to be part of it. I would like to be part of it ... I may start shooting this fall [September-0ctober],” said Travolta at a press conference at the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards in Florida.
Kapur’s $30 million (Dh110.2 million) ambitious project Paani, which means water in Hindi, is set in a futuristic world where wars over water have broken out. There’s a strong buzz that Hollywood actress Jennifer Lawrence may also be a part of the epic film.
Asked if he will dance in it, he said: “I don’t know. The script does not have it in it, although he [Kapur] said, ‘Should we put in a musical number?’ If we’re being truly Bollywood, maybe we should.”
The Grease star, 60, who was honoured with the Most Popular All Time International star at the IIFA awards night on Saturday, had clearly done his Bollywood homework. The Oscar-nominated actor walked into the press conference room with his hands folded and said namaste (hello) to journalists from all over the world and asking if they were enjoying the four-day spectacle.
“I saw Krrish 3 recently, the one about the cop [Dabangg] and Slumdog Millionaire which isn’t exactly a Bollywood film. I loved them all,” said Travolta. He rattled off a few names with a disclaimer that he may get some wrong.
“The first musical number in the film about Romeo and Juliet [Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela] was just wow. I find their films original and the energy and life captures your attention right away,” said Travolta.
Calling himself a fan of Indian films, Travolta said that Hollywood could learn a lot from its musical counterpart Bollywood.
“There’s a scarcity of musicals in Hollywood. I would love Bollywood to infiltrate and give them more confidence in dances and songs. Musicals [in Hollywood] is sporadic and a rarity here … There’s an unabashed confidence in Bollywood films and they don’t have inhibitions,” said Travolta, who is known the world over for his great footwork. He found actress-singer Priyanka Chopra’s single Exotic with rapper Pitbull as the perfect marriage, a union between east and west.
Travolta is no stranger to Mumbai, the hotbed of all Bollywood activities. “I loved it in Mumbai. I was there for GQ to give Aamir Khan an award. It was glamorous and the food was great ... I found it terrific,” said Travolta.
While he declined to show his seasoned dance moves at the press conference, he expressed his excitement at receiving the award, bestowed upon by IIFA.
“I am humbled by it and is a complete honour. I am always surprised when I win awards or get honoured — surprised in a pleasant way,” said Travolta.
