Close-up: Rahul Bose

My first shot: My first shot was for the movie English August. It was in a stuffy, musty room that was the land records? inspector?s office in the film.

My first shot: My first shot was for the movie English August. It was in a stuffy, musty room that was the land records’ inspector’s office in the film. We didn’t have to fake the heat. It was oppressive. I felt a slow excitement in my belly when Dev Benegal called for the sound to roll and then it was over. Just like that. Like a droplet slipping into a puddle, I had joined the millions of celluloid actors.

My favourite co-star: Never ask an actor that. You’ll never get a honest answer.

If not an actor I would be: If I weren’t an actor, I would be a full time rugby player and live off the generosity of my friends.

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A film I’d love to have done: Salman Rushdie’s Midnight’s Children. I was to play the role of Salim, but political pressures stymied the project in Sri Lanka. I think it is the best role an Indian actor can ever play.

Ideal woman: Someone who has the ability to laugh at herself, has an idealistic worldview, grace, density and intelligence.