Abhay Deol lectures at Wharton

Mar 30, 2009 Subhash K Jha

Mumbai, March 30 (IANS) From topics like multiplex versus single screen films to the new economy to Bollywood going global - Abhay Deol wowed the audience with his speech on various aspects of avant-garde cinema at the prestigious Wharton business school.

"It was a fun experience. The audience was very receptive and excited. I didn't go with any theme in mind. I was asked questions about Bollywood. A lot of them were to do with how the industry has been up till now and about how it is changing rapidly," Abhay told IANS on phone from New York.

Abhay gave the speech March 21 at the Wharton School Of The University Of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia.

"We spoke of the 'multiplex' film versus the 'single screen' film, of the new economy, the new generation of film watchers, the possibility of Bollywood going global, and talent out there which is yet to be tapped," he added.

After Anurag Kashyap's "Dev D", Abhay is being seen as the voice of a specific kind of niche avant-garde cinema in Bollywood.

"A lot of the questions had to do with my choice of films. The hall was packed and we got asked many questions. One person even asked me about how some of the sequences in 'Dev D' were shot, primarily the ones where I was rigged with the camera," said the actor who has featured in films like "Socha Na Tha", "Ahista Ahista" and "Manorama Six Feet Under".

Abhay is now more or less settled in New York.

"I love this city. I feel at home here as the people are very much like they are in Mumbai and I have my own place. I do cook, but I mostly eat out and I keep my place clean. Once in two weeks I have a maid who comes and cleans the apartment."

He returns to shoot for Anil Kapoor's "Ayesha" with Sonam Kapoor.

"I will be back in Mumbai when it's time to shoot and the dates of my next are still in discussion as of now."

When reminded that his name is being linked with Sonam and 'Miss Great Britain' Preeti Desai, Abhay said: "The Indian press would link me with a pizza if I was spotted carrying one with me."