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Nostalgia with Dalip Tahil: “Back then, I had many girlfriends, not one!”
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The actor talks about acting in school at Sherwood College, having a joint bank account with his mom, and his brown Jodhpuri boots
Where were you career-wise?
I had considered becoming a pilot like my father or getting into law, but gravitated towards acting in school at Sherwood College, Nainital. I played Joseph, one of the three angels in the play My Three Angels. I was adjudged the best actor and won the Kendal trophy. I won it for two years consecutively. I pursued acting after graduation and started doing theatre.
How did you bag your theatre debut?
I looked up stage director Alyque Padamsee on the phone directory and called him. He cast me in his play, Marat Sade, which was also Kabir Bedi’s theatrical debut.
What was your bank balance like?
Practically nil. I had a joint bank account with my mom, who deposited a few hundreds for me.
What was your romantic status?
I had many girlfriends, not one!
What was your frame of mind?
I was in a professional dilemma as there was no money in plays. It was all up in the air, but acting had got into my system.
Tell us about your family then?
My mother, Shanti, was my rock. My father Ghanshyam was the coolest man I knew. My sister, Geeta Thadani, got me into trouble but was very protective of me.
What was your sense of style like?
I wore flared jeans, kurtas, beads, bell bottoms and trouser patches.
What was your most prized possession?
Brown Jodhpuri boots gifted by a friend. I wore them till they were in pieces.
Which actors did you idolize?
I was impressed with Manoj Kumar and Dev Anand was my all-time favourite.
From HT Brunch, October 29, 2022
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