One of the best looking actors in Indian cinema and perhaps world cinema too, his baritone voice can make anybody go weak in the knees. Yes, we are talking about the legendary Kabir Bedi who has actually pioneered the bridge between Hollywood and Bollywood, and his repertoire of work includes some of the biggest and best names in cinema across the world. He has lived his life to the fullest and has an exquisite treasure trove of colourful experiences. So no wonder his book Stories I Must Tell: The Emotional Life of an Actor which tells the tale of his multi-hued escapades are laden with rich anecdotes told honestly and sensitively. Read on as the charismatic Kabir Bedi reveals more about his book, life and more.

Mr. Bedi, you’ve had such an eventful, colorful life. If we had to ask you to describe your journey in a few lines, how would you do it?

My life has been a fantastic rollercoaster.Triumphs and tragedies, lyrical remembrances to deep regrets, professional milestones and painful mistakes. A life-full of dramatic turning points. What defines my journey is the desire to seek new horizons at every turn in my life. And now, I’ve become an author too.

‘IS SELF-EXPLANATORY TITLE. IT’S THE EXPERIENCE OF A MULTI-DIMENSIONAL LIFE’. – KABIR BEDI

Your autobiography Stories ‘I Must Tell..’ was a wonderful engrossing read, what made you tell the world your story?

I’ve wanted to write my story for over a decade now. I had made many attempts over the years but they all ended up in the trash can. When the national lockdown hit us in India, I knew that if I didn’t do it now I never would. The routine and discipline of writing everyday helped me get through the lockdown. I wrote non-stop with a laser focus and finished my manuscript in nine months.

The title ‘Stories I Must Tell’ of the book is eye-catching, what made you decide on this title?

My story was bursting to come out. I had many stories I had to tell that needed to be written. From my break-through interview with The Beatles in Delhi, to my advertising days in Mumbai, from my start in Bollywood to triumphs in Europe, to my turbulent days in Hollywood. …From well-known romances to painful losses. …From my parents transformation from revolutionaries to religious figures, to my spiritual journey, to the tragedy of my son’s suicide. “Stories I Must Tell: The Emotional Life of an Actor” is self-explanatory title. It’s the experience of a multi-dimensional life.

What were the challenges that you faced writing this book?

The biggest challenge I faced before I started writing the book was the form it was going to take. I found the linear form of memoirs boring, it wasn’t for me. One early morning, drinking my tea and gazing into the palms of Juhu I had an epiphany of how I’d tell it. And I decided to tell it honestly. From that moment, I never stopped writing. It was a creative force that was greater than me. As I say in my book: “These are stories I must tell. Most are told, perhaps unusually through the prism of people and places I have known and loved. I tell them as truthfully as I can, fallible as I am…”

You have beautifully penned and described your bond with your wives Protima Bedi, Ixchel (Susan), Nikki and Parveen Dusanj. One did feel that your relationship with Parveen Babi was perhaps the most volatile and romantic. Why didn’t this relationship lead to marriage?

Let me begin by saying that my best and longest relationship is with my wife Parveen Dusanj.We’ve been together for fifteen years. She is the best thing that happened to me. In my book, there’s a whole chapter on my relationship with Parveen Babi titled, ‘Days of Love and Glory – Sandokan and Parveen Babi’. It was mostly during the peak of my stardom in Europe.For all her wellknown problems, what people don’t realise is that she was an intelligent, bright and caring human being.I was totally in love with her. In an old Stardust magazine, in a section called My Favourite Things, I named Parveen as my favourite in all the things. Marrying Parveen wasn’t possible because she was technically married to someone else. Read all about in my book.

Is there anything exclusive that you left out in the book that you could share with us?

I’ve shared everything that was relevant to the stories I tell. I didn’t bang on my awards and accolades. I focused on the human journey. My autobiography is an exploration of the beautiful, heart-breaking, wondrous journey of what it means to be human.

Priyanka Chopra and Salman Khan were there at the virtual launch… could you tell us something about the launch?

Salman joined me digitally from his home in Bandra to reveal the cover of my book on the GQ India platform. He’s a wonderful man and a good friend. He’s got the biggest heart in Bollywood. The launch was done by Priyanka, who joined me from London. She thoroughly enjoyed my book and endorsed it very strongly. She talked of my trail-blazing career opening doors for other Indian actors in the West. You can see it on my YouTube channel.

How has the response been? Any review that you feel is worth mentioning?

‘The reviews have been fantastic! I’m so grateful. As a debut author, I am thrilled at the outpouring of the positive reviews. Here’s some, pick what you like: “Best memoir by an Indian celebrity that I have read.” – Vir Sanghvi‘

“This book is quite the read…. Filled with stories that take you an emotional rollercoaster. (Kabir) paved the way so many decades ago for India actors to explore their talent globally and he has fully experienced what life has to offer.” – Priyanka Chopra Jonas

“Without a doubt, Kabir Bedi’s autobiography is the uncontested champ of the film star memoirs.” – The Daily Guardian

When you look back at your journey, are there any regrets?

Of course, there are always regrets in life. Don’t let them run your life.There’s a time and place for everything.

You’ve done it all – Hollywood, Bollywood, international TV series to the theatre to live hosting, what do you prefer most?

My first love was theatre, nothing beats the intimacy of a live audience.My greatest successes have been in television in Europe and America. But films like Khoon Bhari Maang and the Bond film Octopussy have a special place in my life.

What’s left on your bucket list?

Writing my autobiography was on that list, and I am glad this dream was fulfilled. Now I just want everyone to read my book and share my experience.

What’s next after this book? …Another sequel?

Let’s just say I have many more stories to tell. …And many ways to share them.

What are your other projects – in terms of films or theatre? Have you also stepped into the OTT world?

I am thoroughly enjoying the explosion of the new OTT streaming sites. They have given a new energy and vibrancy to film and television. It’s a new hybrid, a mix of television and film. I’d certainly love to explore this space if the project is right. I always believe the best is yet to come!