Los Angeles, Sep 3 (IANS) He has never been to India and has little knowledge about the country’s traditions and folklore, but Golden Globe and Emmy award winning actor Ed Asner is intrigued and says he would probably “investigate it”.
“I know very little about Indian mythology or Hindu mythology, but I think it is lovely and interesting. If I had more time in my life, I would probably investigate it,” Asner, who is in his early 80s, told IANS in Anaheim, California.
He added that though he has travelled extensively across Asia, he missed the chance to explore India.
“I have been to a lot of Asia, but I have missed India. I’m tired now. If you want to take me to India on a magic carpet, then I will go with you,” Asner quipped.
As the topic of India swayed towards its popular film industry, Bollywood, the actor noted that British drama film “Slumdog Millionaire” has pushed its popularity on foreign shores.
“‘Slumdog Millionaire’ drew attention to Bollywood. There has been more focus and more activity since that happened,” said the “Out of the Woods” star.
In his five decade-old career, the actor has received acclaim for his work and contribution to the world of cinema. He won the Golden Globe Award in Best TV Actor – Drama category in 1980 and 1978 for “Lou Grant”, and won the Best Supporting Actor – Television trophy for “Rich Man, Poor Man” in 1977.
He even scooped the Primetime Emmy Award in 1978 and 1980 in Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series category for “Lou Grant” and in 1977 he won another in Outstanding Single Performance by a Supporting Actor in a Comedy or Drama Series category for “Roots”.
Asner, who has also won Life Achievement Award in 2002 in Screen Actors Guild Awards, walked into the hearts of millions once again as Carl Fredricksen, a balloon salesman, in 2009 film “Up”.
The actor, who ventured into showbiz with TV series “Studio One in Hollywood” in 1957 and went on to do “Armstrong Circle Theatre” in the same year, noted the importance of animated films in imbibing good moral values among children.
“I think they (animation films) have always been influential. Even when I was a kid, I was influenced. I remember ‘Dumbo’ and the brutal treatment of his mother and the poor orphan elephant being treated by mean circus hands… Animated films have become phenomenal now with wonderful lesson to learn from,” he said.
