I want to do a Bollywood film

Tom Cruise is an international star. And while he may be on the other side of 60, he still does his own stunts and is open to newer challenges, including a film in India.

Top Gun Maverick Tom Cruise's appeal transcends generations. He was short of his 18th birthday when he, in his own words, "discovered films and that's what consumed" his dreams. "I was in a school musical called Guys and Dolls, and I knew I had to keep doing this forever! My mother taught creative drama, so I had always enjoyed it. I told my parents I was going to New York. I never really planned on going to college anyway. I had saved money and I was going to go to Europe and find the big picture there,” reminisces Cruise, as we await the release of his next Mission Impossible venture.

In New York, Cruise did odd jobs and lived in a studio apartment, juggling innumerable auditions and just as many rejections. His commitment and hard work paid off when he landed Endless Love in 1981. The movie world's 'endless love' for this handsome actor has led the audience to shower his films with so much appreciation – be it Top Gun: Maverick last year or the seventh Mission Impossible (MI) film releasing in July!

Tagged as one of last year's highest-paid actors, Cruise is cruising his own stunts in this MI sequel. While he is known to do that in most of his films, what is significant is that he turns 61 this year! Here's a freewheeling exclusive chat with the man who has immortalised Ethan Hunt.

What do we expect from Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One?

Lots of twists and turns. It is a very long film - longer than all the other prequels. It is old news that it will set the tone for my exit from the series. Ethan has many more friends and enemies, and it is his most dangerous mission yet. I say that with every release but then they up the ante every time! I am also very proud of the action sequences and big set pieces. As you’re watching this MI, remember that another monster awaits. I'm not going to say if it is a cliffhanger or not, but it's a lot of fun!

Speaking of action, how easy or difficult is it to pull that off the way you do, and the age at which you do? Age, truly is, just a number. But let me not try to sound grand. It is very tough. Age does catch up and the injuries increase. Shooting in South Africa was intense and the aerial sequence was outrageous. After every mission, I am asked, 'what will you do next?' There’s always another mountain to climb. Always.

So the ankle injury was worth it? (Cruise had fractured his ankle while performing a stunt for the MI franchise.)

For me, yes! When it happened, I was really angry with myself. My foot was out just a split second too long and I fractured the talus, and I knew instantly. The stunt mistake caused a delay in production for nine weeks. I could not have taken nine months off for recuperation. I was adamant to return to work despite it!

The last MI film had an India connect too. How are you expecting fans to react to this one?

India has a very special and evolved audience. It is rooted in culture and in concepts of good versus evil. Anil [Bollywood actor Anil Kapoor] and his family have introduced me to India briefly and I have felt the palpable vibe of the lovely people. I really do want to spend more time here, travelling, moving around and meeting people.

What about Indian films?

Why not! I would absolutely love that! I really do want to do a film where there is singing and dancing. I know that it is not what Indian cinema is all about but it is a very significant and unique identity of Indian films! I want to do that, seriously. I think I will follow up on it soon.

Why not try an emotional role? From Magnolia and JerryMaguire to Rain Man, your emotional roles have equal appeal.

I am disappointed you didn’t say Eyes Wide Shut! I am open to anything in India. A Bollywood film would be a huge box to tick.

Any Indian destination you would want to travel to?

The Himalayas for sure! All of it! In fact, I do bring it up every now and then whenever I can that we should shoot there. I guess it will happen when it has to.

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