Author Gregory David Roberts talks on the film adaptation, wanting to cast Charlize Theron opposite Johnny Depp – by Preeti Raghunath.
Gregory David Roberts stepped out of the leaves of Shantaram for a book signing session at JW Marriott last week.
Heading to the Bahamas in June to meet with Johnny Depp and director Peter Weir for the movie based on his book, he says, “We start shooting on November 1, but I’ve been busy travelling around the world giving speeches.”
The casting team are auditioning for Indian actors from South Africa, UK, Canada and Australia. “I think Charlize Theron is the best actor on this planet and would suit the role of Karla just right! There’s also Monica Bellucci, Naomi Watts, Jennifer Connelly and Kate Beckinsale who could play the part,” he adds.
From being a criminal to now being wined and dined by high-society, the transition for Roberts has been fairly easy.
“When I was a gunda, I never hurt anyone. I was helping people and am able to continue now,” he says.
Having personally gone to penitentiary hell and back, ask him if he has any pearls of wisdom for Salman Khan, and he says, “I have the same wish for every artiste – that they’re free and continue to create beautiful art.”
