I can't sing, but I can dance

Illustrious career

Bryan Brown has starred in over 80 films and filmed in about 25 countries. In a career spanning 40 years, the iconic Australian actor has dazzled the screen with hits like ‘Along Came Polly’ and ‘Australia’ among many others. 

His latest ‘Red Dog: True Blue’ will be showcased today at the Australian Film Showcase at Inox. The actor, who is in the city, took an interactive film collaboration workshop with members of the Kannada film industry. In a freewheeling chat with Anushree Agarwal, he talks about his films, what keeps him going and more.

Tell us about the workshop that you were a part of.The focus was on finding a space where India and Australia can work together on films — be it financing our films together, the creative part or even looking for authentic stories where we connect. The two countries share a significant relationship.  In that sense, ‘Lion’ has come along at the right time to make us think about that collaboration.

Your most memorable film as an actor.It is ‘Cocktail’ with Tom Cruise. It was a big movie that keeps getting played in every hotel. It also allowed me to go and work in all other places.

As a veteran, is there any genre that you’d still like to experiment with?I’ve done some big comedies like ‘Along Came Polly’ with Ben Stiller and really enjoy that. ‘Cocktail’ was a drama comedy that was also big. I like strong dramas that are about how we deal with life, be it love stories or ones that make people laugh or cry.

An actor you admire.I’ve always been a big fan of French actor Gerard Depardieu.

Have you watched any Bollywood film?Not many. But I liked ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ which was a worldwide hit. In a way, it transported me to India. That’s what films do — expand your knowledge and your humanity.

So given a chance, would you do a Bollywood film?I can’t sing, but I can dance (laughs). Well, if it’s a good role, where I feel I know the character and can bring it out well, then why not?What keeps you going?I like being alive. I just like life. It’s been very good to me. People keep asking me to act, to go to places like Bengaluru, and have a good time talking to the people there, and I say yeah!

How do you find the city?I got here two days back. I have visited the Bangalore Palace and the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA) where I enjoyed viewing the exhibition on Madras. My son is here with me and we’re going out into the streets to enjoy the city.