Don't you think it has been such a long journey for you without a break with such a short span of time?

Believe me, I have never had the time to think about how time has passed. All I know is that I have never been idle at anytime. All I can remember is work, work and more work and I must say I have enjoyed every moment, every experience of being a part of this great and glorious world of cinema.

You have been a child artiste, a leading man and a leading director. How would you describe your life playing so many parts in one life?

It is very difficult for me to express all my feelings in just a few sentences. All I can say is that my destiny has played the most significant part and it has let everything happen in my life in better ways than I could ever imagine. Frankly, it is very difficult for me to sum up the various parts of my life because there are times when I feel I have not even begun and have so many things still to do, so many plans to put into action, so many dreams to fulfill. All I know is that it has been a very interesting life till now and without being over ambitious I feel there are things I have to do, things which are in my mind and which the world will know only when they come true, when I make them come true.

Did you, always want to be a part of this now here, now no where kind of an industry?

I never thought of or know the consequences. I never thought about success and failure. I never thought of comparing my achievements with those of others both my seniors and my contemporaries. All I know was that I wanted to be a part of this work and I am very lucky to see myself in the position I am. I am my own self and fully responsible for all that I have been able to do till now.

What do you remember the most of your days as Master Sachin, the child actor?

I always remember that I took my work very seriously even at that young age. I worked very hard when I thin about it now. I was loved as a child artiste, but I also know that the people always wanted to see me different roles. I had already played roles which were a very big responsibility for a little boy like me but I managed, I succeeded because there was something, some force within me which made me aim for the best. I succeeded most of the time. I realized I had to live up to the expectations of people as a time when I should have been living a carefree boy's life. I always worked hard like I said without thinking of what the results would be. Now when I think about it I know acting was in my blood. I don't remember any particular experience or moment because every day, every experience and every moment was special to me. They made me the Sachin I am. They made me realize that I had to create a place for myself on my own merit.

You took a break as a child artiste. What did you do in the time that you had decided to give yourself?

I only know that I saw films and I learned from every film I saw. I learned what good acting was by watching the performances of Dilip Kumar Sahab and Sanjeev Kumar. I learned that film-making was a very serious job which could not be taken lightly if I had to make a meaningful career here in this wonderful world o films.

You finally made it as a hero of Hindi films. Were you happy with your new career?

I was very happy. I realize an actor wanted to do something successful would have to face all kinds of challenges. I also realize that I was a better actor than some of the actors of my time but I had no regrets, I still don't have any regress because I know you could think the world o0f yourself but ultimately it was what you were able to give the world that mattered. I had my best time. It was not a very long inning, but I have absolutely no complaints because I believed I would get what was in my fortune, my luck or call it what you may. There were times when I wanted to be known like Sanjeev Kumar a great actor, by God, but God gave me enough sense to realize that you have to be happy with what you get because complaining and crying about what you cold not do in life does not pay. That does not mean that I was not satisfied with the work I did as an actor. I believe in the power of destiny and I knew I would get only what my hard work combined with destiny could get me.

How did you find your first break as a director?

it was not easy. All I knew was that I could direct films and when I directed them, they were successful and also acclaimed. The high point in my life as a director was when Dr. V. Shantaram asked me to direct a Marathi film for his prestigious banner. I could never in my wildest dream thin of something so challenging happening in my life. I put my soul, body and mind into the making of this film and I still remember how happy the great man was when he saw the film I had made. It was lie winning the gold medal at the Olympics.

You then concentrated on direction and gave the actor a break. You directed a number of big Marathi hits and all of them were films which gave new life to Marathi cinema. Your comments.

I had to take to direction seriously because there were too many opportunities coming my way and I wanted to prove that I could make any kind of subjects under any circumstances.

And then came your first call from a Hindi film-maker like Subhash Ghai who wanted you to direct a film for his brother Ahsok Ghai.

It was a God sent opportunity. I directed "Prem Diwane' for them. I made the film according to my likes and without any interference by the great showman. He was only there as a strong moral support. The very fact that I was being trusted by a great maker like him was enough to give me that big boost to make the best of the opportunity which I made the best of, I firmly believe.

The veteran film-maker Mohan Kumar asked you to direct a Hindi film called "Aazmayish". What was the experience like?

I don't want to say anything much but all I can say is that I was another big experience from me. I don't want to go into the details. Al I know is that I tried to make a good film and the best thing I will remember is directing my childhood hero, Dharamji. Jo ho gaya who ho gaya, ab kuch kehne se kya faayda?

You never directed a Hindi film again. Any particular reason?

There were several offers. The offers still keep coming but I will now make a Hindi film only when I am fully prepared to take up the challenge under the new changing circumstances which keep on changing everyday. I will direct a Hindi film or may be many Hindi films but only at the right time and in the right ways. I am not prepared to be a part of the madness that is part of the business of making Hindi films these days.

You recently directed a Kannada film.

It was an opportunity which came from the blues as they say but I never let the opportunity go waste. I tried my best to make the kind of film that was different and I think I succeeded that whatever my critics and people may say.

What do you think is the state of Marathi films today?

Sad times, I am sorry to say but I am an optimist. I think this is just a passing phase which will pass. The Marathi industry has given Indian cinema so much of talent in every field. I sometimes wonder why these same people who do such great things for Hindi films cannot do the same for Marathi films. I will never give up Marathi films come what may. I have my own plans which I will come up with very soon.

Do you think you were born for cinema and would be a misfit in any other field?

I ask you, do you think I come to do the things I have been able to do in any other field but films? I was born for films and I am not saying this as a cliché, I will live till the last breath of my life as a part of this world of cinema. I firmly believe in what the great Raj Kapoor said "Jeena Yahan Marna Yahan, Iske Siwa Jaana Kahan". There is no other way to live life for someone like me who has given every day and moment of my life to films.