India loves me: Jackie Chan- The Times of India

India loves me: Jackie Chan
Meena Iyer, Wednesday, November 23, 2005 04:51:29 pm, Times News Network

MUMBAI: He hesitates for a second before picking up his pen to appease the autograph hunters at a press conference to publicize his latest film The Myth.

"If I sign one then it will go on and on," he mutters under his breath.

And Jackie Chan is right. Within minutes, a dozen pen pushers surge ahead for their moment of glory beside the "most famous Chinese alive".

Chan, who is a household name thanks to hits like Rush Hour and Police Story, is hoping for a similar reaction to his latest saga, The Myth, which releases in India in January 2006. He was in the city for a day to promote the film at the behest of his co-star Mallika Sherawat.

Though the film opened to an enthusiastic response in other parts of the world in September 2005, Chan is a worried man. "Piracy is a menace," he says, choosing his words with care.

According to him, almost 17,000 people download films through illegitimate means every day. And he feels that if something is not done to correct this, then the industry will suffer.

Chan, who prides himself for making "action films with humor and a social message," says he enjoyed the experience of shooting a portion of the Stanley Tong film in Hampi, Karnataka.

The actor is also a fan of tandoori chicken and papad. And he claims he has seen loads of Bollywood films. "Don't ask me for names though," he says, "Except Mallika, I don't know any."

The actor feels The Myth will appeal to all age groups as it has action, comedy, romance and a message.

"We Chinese, Indians and Egyptians have treasure troves in our countries. Unfortunately the West has plundered a lot of it," he sighs.

The 51-year-old actor sees himself doing action flicks for another five years, perhaps slightly longer. But one role he sees himself in forever is his role as a social reformer.

The actor has donated generously to various causes including upliftment of handicapped children, building homes for the aged, helping AIDS and cancer patients.

Signing off at the press conference, Chan said though he doesn't see himself making another film in India for a long time, he is sure "India loves me."

Read the full article at : India loves me: Jackie Chan- The Times of India