India trip on Morgan’s mind

MAMI’s Lifetime Achievement awardee, actor Freeman places country on his bucket list of places to visit, bonds with dolphin for latest film. A Dolphin’s Tale was chosen to close the event as well.

Seventy-four-year old Amercian actor Morgan Freeman was bestowed a Lifetime Achievement award at the recently concluded MAMI 2011. His new film, A Dolphin’s Tale was chosen to close the event as well. But although the actor was unable to collect his award in person, he did record a video message for his Indian fans in his trademark reserved demeanour laced with humour.

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"I appreciate the love and gratitude my fans and well-wishers have showered upon me in India. I have read a lot about India and some of my friends who have visited the country have such lovely things to say about the rich culture and heritage. It is definitely in my top list of places to visit," says Freeman, apologising for his no-show due to a tight schedule.

In Dolphin’s Tale, the actor will be seen playing a prosthetics doctor in the story that revolves around a real-life dolphin’s heart-rending tale of survival and how it became an inspiration to millions of people worldwide. He says, “This film inspires one to overcome the challenges in life, which should be the motto for each of us.” When asked to advise people facing extreme situations like losing a limb, a loved one, divorce or even a job that’s dear to them, he says, “Fight back, as the world is waiting to see the best in you.”

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On his experience of working with Winter, the dolphin on whose life the film is based, he smiles, “I have been close to horses, dogs, chickens, and geese but never to a fish. So I was trying to ingratiate myself. It’s just like a little child. She shies away and then she comes back, and then finally you can touch her a little bit, and that’s enough, so you feel like you’re really accomplishing something if she lets you be close and pet her.”