Waris Ahluwalia - Ten Questions

I came across Waris' interview in Outlook India. People who have seen "Inside Man" and "The Life Aquatic" will know him. During the day he is a very famous Jewellery Designer operating under the label "House of Waris".

How did you become an internationally acclaimed high-end jewellery designer?
I live between Rome, Jaipur and NY (throw in some Paris too)—so it’s easy to be internationally anything. Other than that, it’s simple. Once chance and fate had played its cards, I took time to search out the best craftsmen, both in India and Italy, and then put it in the best stores in the world. From there the work takes care of itself. It’s a very pure approach to luxury.

Why the emphasis on religious and cultural symbols in your pieces?
No emphasis—these are just visuals in my life and I feel they are universal symbols. You can say I’m sharing a bit of India with the world. And not everyone sees religion in them.

How did you decide to become an actor?
I didn’t choose acting. The universe did.

And how did you land a part in Wes Anderson’s The Life Aquatic?
It may seem a little boring, but—Wes asked me one day and I said yes.

How did you get to work on Spike Lee’s Inside Man?
Spike had seen Life Aquatic. He got my number from Willem Dafoe and called me up.

You play a bank clerk racially abused by the police. Do Sikhs in NY deal with this often?
Sikhs have to deal with it everywhere. I’ve fond memories of my encounters with Roman police.

Do you think your refusal to cut your hair mean you will be typecast in Hollywood?
I haven’t been yet. Stay tuned—we’ll see.

How was it working with Hollywood biggies?
It was an honour.

Will we see more of you in Hollywood?
I start another movie by the year-end.

Any plans to star in a smaller film?
If an interesting one comes along.