Writers should script roles for older actors: Kamal Haasan

Mumbai: South superstar Kamal Haasan feels writers usually don't script roles for older actors but its time they took on the mantle.

"Writers do not write roles for older people... they always write for younger people so we all try to look young. But times are changing... Amitji (Amitabh Bachchan) is a great example, so I know I have another 15 years," Haasan said at an event here.

"We say (to writers) write it. I think they (writers) should write it naturally. It should come from young people then it will be interesting. When I write about an old actor

it is almost autobiographical... young people should write. Hollywood had that young writers who wrote about old actors," he said.

The 59-year old National-award-winner says that age does bother him. "It (age) has always bothered me. When I was five, I wanted to be 20 year old then when I was 20, I wanted to be 40-year-old and now when I am 60-year-old, I want to be 20-year-old. So it is always bothering," he added.

The industry veteran was talking on the sidelines of Whistling Woods International's seventh annual convocation last evening here.

He was present there along with ace screenwriter Javed Siddiqui. Altogether 200 students were handed their degrees by the maestros and founder Subhash Ghai and Meghna Ghai Puri, President, WWI.

"It is great that there is a platform here (WWI) that enhances the skills of actors, filmmakers, screenplay writers and more. There is a amount of scope in film making so I wish all the luck to the graduating batch," Haasan said.

"I am one of the few actors who go to writers association or for screenplay workshop... it is not because I want to teach people but I want to keep myself abreast. I am being selfish. The reason I am here is because I want to know what my competition is tomorrow. I am looking forward to competing with you all and it doesn't matter who wins or loses.. I know cinema will win," he said.

In the initial stages of his career, Haasan wanted to become a director. "I thought tools of making film are superior and only the director was capable. Filmmaker K Balachandar told me 'I see a rising star in you'. I respected and admired him a lot. He is my hero. I think I am a reluctant actor. I wanted to be director and I did wait for it... I made it happen," Haasan added.