The `Big W' in Mumbai
Prachi Pinglay
Smitten by Aishwarya Rai, blown away by Amitabh
THE PRINCE: Will Smith in Mumbai.
MUMBAI: He has always been a performer — being so chic in school that he was called "Prince," rapping to get Grammys, and recreating Muhammad Ali on screen.
Hollywood star Will Smith was at his best when he did one more act here this past week: generously dishing out hugs to smitten women journalists at a press conference .
Smith was launching "Pix," an English movie channel from Sony Entertainment Television.
On his first trip to India, the six-foot rapper was all praise. "I love the contrasts. When I was travelling from Delhi to Agra, I saw a cow sitting on the road, a beautiful lady with a bright red and yellow dress and a man talking on the cell phone. ... It was amazing."
Love for the Taj
An ardent romantic, he could not stop raving about the Taj Mahal. "When I was there, I felt I was Shah Jehan. I totally understand his love." However, after his arrival in Mumbai on Wednesday, it has been mostly work, including meetings with producers and directors.
Anything specific on the agenda? "The beauty and power of Indian cinema is tremendous. I'm just meeting people and making friends. Yeah, I am looking for a big project." On Hindi films, the wannabe "Big W" (imitating "Big B" Amitabh Bachchan) said: "I have started watching them. DVDs after DVDs. ... I have watched about 10 but I must say the first one I watched is my favourite — Sarkar. I was just blown away by Amitabh Bachchan."
Another attraction is Aishwarya Rai. "I wanted her to be part of Hitch but that didn't work out as she was doing another film. But let her make anything, and I am there. The power of her beauty... she doesn't have to do anything. She just has to be there," he declares.
Among those whom Smith met are Karan Johar, Subhash Ghai and Vidhu Vinod Chopra. He also met Abhishek Bachchan and was impressed by his latest hip-hop number.
Mr. Smith, an established rapper with four Grammy titles under his belt, chuckles at the prospect of teaming up with Abhishek. "Yeah, why not!" he exclaims, adding, "His song is good. I am taking his songs with me to the United States."
Smith, known as "Fresh Prince" in the music world, lights up at the mention of music. "Music is much more personal. I write all my music; so it's what I feel. It is like a piece of me. Movies are different. You do what a director wants you to do. It connects to a larger audience and is inspiring. Music is closer. However, I haven't been doing much music of late because I am so busy with movies."
From being an award-winning rapper, a television artist and a movie star, there is hardly anything the Philadelphia boy has not done. Except, of course, computer engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). "My mother wanted me to study there. In fact, she used to send my applications. I was always very good at math, and at that time they were offering new courses in computer engineering. But I always knew I wanted to do music. So my parents gave me a year. They said we would see what happens in a year." What happened was "Fresh Prince" got together with D.J. Jazzy Jeff, and the rappers never looked back.
The 37-year-old Hollywood star has been in the spotlight for a good 18 years. However, stardom has not changed him. "Success does not change a person. It only magnifies you. It allows you to be who you are. " Yes, with a lavender shirt, diamond studs and a class act, he still remains the "Fresh Prince."
http://www.hindu.com/2006/02/26/stories/2006022601232000.htm