The world at his feet

The world at his feet

His television software company is now going public. He recently floated a film production company, and his son will make his debut as an actor. Jeetendra couldn't ask for anything more, he tells Rajeev Masand

Jeetendra reveals that his own responsibility to this film is minimal. "In film-making, if you have a good director who understands a producer's requirements, you don't have to worry too much," he says. "And David is exactly that kind of a director," he adds. For his own part, he says he functions as a normal producer who is basically connected with organising finance for the movie. "And that was not a very difficult job with this film because ours is a very commercially viable project," Jeetendra makes it a point to mention.

Meanwhile, his television software company, Balaji Telefilms -- which is run by his daughter Ektaa -- is at the verge of going public. "My dad had predicted almost two years ago that we would go public in a few years," Ektaa reveals. "He has a vision. He is very clued in to what is happening in the entertainment industry, and moves with the times," she elaborates. Returning the compliment, Jeetendra says his daughter exercises complete control as far as creative decisions relating to the company are concerned. "She's a thinker. Very smart for her age," he says. Explaining that the company has almost ten daily soaps being produced simultaneously, "we need huge funds, and the best way to go about that is by raising money from the public."

Currently, the actor is waiting to see his son face the camera for the first time. "I have no clue whether he'll make a good actor or not," Jeetendra says of Tushar, describing him as a band mutthi. "He's very focussed on whatever he does," says the proud father, insisting that "Tushar has a lot of determination and is willing to put in a lot of hard work."

With both his children involved in areas they are themselves interested in, Jeetendra says he is a happy man. "I have a very comfortable existence," he says, rattling off his daily schedule. "I wake up early and sit down for breakfast with my wife Shobha where we talk about work, about family and just spend time with each other. Then I go to the office around noon, after which I go to the studio where our movie is being shot. Around six in the evening I go to the gym, then I come home and spend the rest of the evening with my family..." Insisting that he could not have asked for a better way to retire, Jeetendra says that his happiness comes from the fact that his children seem settled and are on the right course. "What more can I ask for?" he says, smiling broadly.