On my pinboard: Dalip Tahil

He  is one of finest actors that the industry has seen. Having delivered some of the most powerful performances in movies like 'Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak', 'Baazigar', 'Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke', 'Ishq' and 'Bhag Milkha Bhaag', actor Dalip Tahil rightfully ruled the silver screen in the late 80s till early 2000s.  

Dalip is now all set for Sudhir Mishra's upcoming film 'Daasdev'. He will be seen playing a shrewd manipulator, Sahay. The film will hit the screens on  March 23.    

Actor
Balraj Sahni
There are several favourite actors who have inspired me.  From the Indian film fraternity, Balraj Sahni is someone  I look up to and from Hollywood, Robert De Niro and Al  Pacino top my list. I never had the privilege of working with  any of these actors but their persona has always had a great  influence on me. On screen, Balraj Sahni had an understated  yet impactful presence. His approach towards acting  is what I appreciate. He was a method actor and that could  be seen on screen. The ability to convey much more than  what is conveyable on screen is something very inspiring  when it comes to Robert De Niro and Al Pacino too.

Movie
Deewaar  
There are many movies that I tend to go back and watch  again and again. Films like Deewaar, The Godfather and  Sholay are classics. I can go back to them because of the
quality they have and it never fades away. The fact that  there is something fresh and attractive about them every  time you watch it is why these movies are called classic in
true sense.

Travel
Miami
I have managed to travel to many  lovely places because of my work,  which I would have otherwise  never visited. This has been a  huge privilege being an actor. I  usually travel to a place because of  my work and if I really like it, then I  extend my stay on my own and explore
the place a little more. I love  travelling and I have many favourites.  Beaches and mountains are my  weakness. If given a choice, I would  choose Miami and West Indies.

Author
Amish Tripathi
I enjoy reading. At  present, my favourite  author is Amish Tripathi.  His book ' The  Immortals of Meluha'  has remained my  favourite. I am very  fascinated by his style  of writing. The way he  combines Indian mythology  with the modern  take on it through  the eyes of a logical
and historical point  of view. He actually  makes his stories  stormy and thriller,  which makes for a  good read. I like how  he humanises the mythology in such a wonderful way and
yet keeps the reverence of the mythology figures intact.

Inspiration
My mother, Shanti Tahil
My parents have always been my greatest inspiration. My  mother is someone who shaped my thinking, moral fibre  and inculcated all the good things I have in me today. I really  looked up to her. She was my guide and  mentor.

Food
Dal roti and sabzi
I am a very easy going person and I eat all kinds of food.  Having said that, my favourite is home food-dal, roti and  sabzi. This is my comfort food. I have always enjoyed the  simplicity of food. I also enjoy Japanese and Thai cuisines.