I never dreamt of being an actor: Forest Whitaker

Oscar-winning actor Forest Whitaker on his ‘vet’ dreams, reading about India in books and fixing his left eye.  

What attracts you to sign a film?
I like to play complex characters. Also, the script must appeal to me.

So, if not an actor, what profession would you have chosen?
I never dreamt of being an actor, as when I was a kid there were hardly any black actors. I thought I’d become a vet or an animal behaviorist. I also thought of becoming a pathologist. I was interested in football, but then got interested in music and acting.

You’re in the recently released Street Kings. Tell us something about your role…
This is about a man who is struggling with power. At a certain point though, he starts dividing people as enemies or good guys. This man does not want to lose power. He is struggling with the temptation of being corrupted by power. Yet, he has his own moral code.

You suffer from left eye ptosis and it’s been said that you’re contemplating surgery. Is that true?
The eye is a genetic thing. I am as a matter of fact contemplating it, but not because of cosmetic reasons. I don’t think it makes me look bad or anything. It just impairs my vision; I lose sight in this eye.

Awards, accolades, fame, money — you’ve got it all. Is there anything still on your wish-list? 
I don’t have any wishes in particular. I just work on what I believe in and keep people content. I’m a man with four children and I do everything I can to keep my family happy.

Lastly, what have you heard about India?
I haven’t really been there, so it’s just what I’ve read about it in books.