Life hasn’t changed post Oscar-win: Colin Firth

Not much has changed professionally or personally yet, for actor Colin Firth, who won his first Academy Award last year for The King’s Speech. The actor who’s best known for his roles in films like A Single Man, The English Patient, Shakespeare in Love and Bridget Jones's Diary among several others, is well aware of the Indian film industry as well and recalls working with Bollywood beauty Aishwarya Rai Bachchan too. Here the actor talks about his recent release Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy and also reveals his Bollywood plans.

Has life changed personally and as an actor post your Oscar win?
Not immediately, it’s still the same.

And the criteria for choosing your films?
No, the idea hasn’t changed at all for choosing the film either. I still go through the same pattern of selecting work. Not specific and certainly not immediately. I think one would have to look back at everyone’s life and see if things changed. It’s very hard to measure a change because ‘a change’ as opposed to what.

What attracted you to the role in Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy?
I was actually the first of the current cast involved. What attracted me was a no-brainer — certainly if you look at what else was around at the time. The idea of doing it seemed very cool to me. It wouldn’t have done ten years back after a fantastic TV series, it would have seemed suicidal and also would have been too close to that time for it to be retro and far enough on to feel a little out of date, possibly. But I think now, 30 or so years on from the series, it seemed like a really interesting time to do it. When I heard it was Tomas Alfredson and John Hurt and Gary (Oldman), it was absolutely irresistible.

How was your experience working on this film?
It was truly amazing. About Tomas Alfredson what I liked is the fact that he didn’t dwell on things too much. He didn’t overly shoot things. He was also very clear.  And on working with other actors, they all are my favourites, so I enjoyed every bit of the time shooting for the film. I portray the role of Bill Hayden, he enjoys life. He’s also vain; he cultivates certain eccentricities that are part of his vanity. He’s not just a spy, he’s a bohemian, the artist, the one who has a slightly flamboyant twist to the way he dresses and rides his bicycle into the office. So yeah, there’s somebody who makes use of irony which is probably very useful if you’re a spy. But honestly, I would’ve played any part in this film; because of the project as a whole appealed to me, the whole aura of it appealed to me.

Have you read the original John Le Carre novel on which the film is based?
No, I’d never read the book. Obviously, I’ve read it now, more than once.

You have worked with Aishwarya Rai in The Last Legion. Are you clued in to the Indian film industry?
Yes, I have worked with Aishwarya in 2007; I know she is termed as the most beautiful lady of Indian cinema. I am also aware that the Indian cinema is making news with making reality cinema and reaching the international festivals.

Would you consider any film offer here?
Can’t say it depends.

You are also actively involved with several charitable organisations. Which is the issue closest to heart?
You can’t choose from your good deeds, it’s just that I like working towards all the issues as it gives me immense satisfaction and I am giving what I received, the love and a thanking gesture. For me it’s a way of saying ‘Thank you’ and going closer to God.