The Chats were a study in contrasts -- Mahesh was true to his image: efferverscent, voluble, and full of Bhattian observations; Ismail, strangely, was subdued, nothing quite like his billing of charming bon vivant. Perhaps we caught him on a bad day.

Don't miss the transcripts.
clion... (Fri Jan 10 01:55:32 1997 IST):

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Mr Merchant is expected any moment, folks. Suparn is downstairs, waiting for him. Thank you for logging in.

Mr Merchant, have you and James Ivory never had any disagreements?

What do you think and Indian actor needs to have to truly make it in Hollywood? As did Omar Sharif?

What do you think an Indian actor needs to have to truly make it in Hollywood? As did Omar Sharif?

Welcome to the Rediff Chat, Mr Merchant. It is wonderful to have you with us.

Hullo, Ismail. What is the Wandering Company doing these days?

Hello. I'm here to talk to you about my career , my films , my hobbies and share my experiences with you.

Mr.Merchant , Why do you think that Indian movies never seem to win an Oscar except Gandhi (which anyway was not made by an Indian

Hi, Ismail. Great to heaf or all theose French honours. There was not too much coverage of it in American newspapers. I'd like to ask you what reasons do you attribute to your success in an industry where no Indian has done well before?

Chanaavera: The Wandering company is doing extremely well. We have just released two of our films Surviving Picasso and The Proprietor. In America, France and England . We are also preparing several new films 'A Soldiers Daughter never cries' from Kalie Jones novel set in France and America and then I'm going to direct a film from V S Naipaul novel Mystic Masseur and Ruth Jhabwala is writing screenplay fgrom Henry James novel ' The Golden Bowl'

Mr Merchant, have you and James Ivory never had any disagreements? Your staying power in a business so farught with tension is incredible. I believe Ruth Prawer Jhabvala keeps the peace when you guys get mad at each other. Is that true?

I guess you are chatting from Bombay. How does it feel to be back in the city of your birth? Do you return to Indian often? What are the changes you see there now?

I believe MIP's recent track record has not been so impressive. Jefferson was controversial, but it failed to win any critical appreciation nor did it make much money at the BO. How come?

Mr. Merchant, what does an Indian actor or actress need to really make it in Hollywood? I mean, Omar Sharif, an Egyptian, was successsful, why not talented Indians?

A P Kamath: Well because we have consistently worked in films of quality and have created a brand name Merchant-Ivory which is respected by the audience all over . The French honour was mentioned in American papers but not everywhere .

Vishnu: We have to make better films and compete with best films produced in Hollywood and elsewhere . Merchant-Ivory films have won nearly 30 Academy Award nominations and won six awards . I hope to win the best picture award sometime soon.

Ismail, tell us about your latest film. What was it like working with the Great Moreau? You have worked a great deal with Western actors. Did you find any barrier finding acceptance with them? When did you realise they accepted you as one of them?

Thanks, Ismail. The French honour was certainly not mentioned in the newspaper in Lawrence, Kansas which is where I live. To add to my earlier question: Is there now a cachet to working in an MIP film? Do actors like Tony Hopkins work at half their usuual remuneration to work with you guys?

Hi Mr. Merchant! Its an honor to be virtually in the same room with you. I'm a huge fan.

Mr Merchant, is the deal with Disney still on? When will those films be out? I find it amazing that an Indian is such a hot shot in Hollywood. How did you win such acceptance? Is there something you can tell us about your success?