Vin Diesel opens up about his first tryst with India

Mumbai: Vin Diesel is on his maiden visit to India but the Hollywood star says his first tryst with the country and its culture was way back in his childhood when he went to watch "The Thief of Bagdad", starring Sabu Dastagir.

The 49-year-old actor is currently in the country to promote his latest film "xXx: The Return of Xander Cage", which marks the Hollywood debut of Deepika Padukone.

Diesel says the film gave him hope that people like himself, who don't look like most Hollywood stars, can also become actors.

"The first movie that my father took me to see was 'The Thief of Bagdad', starring Sabu. From that moment, as a five-year-old, I always imagined movie stars could look different than the ones that work in Hollywood, like myself. So, there is a long-standing connection with Hollywood and India and my stardom and successful career. I was just waiting for an opportunity to come to India," Diesel told reporters.

The star is in India along with "xXx: The Return of Xander Cage" director DJ Caruso. They received a grand welcome on their arrival at the Mumbai airport and fans have continued to shower their love to them at all the events they were part of.

"I have never seen a reception, entering a country, like I saw after coming out from the plane. The music, the culture, the fact that people were so happy to celebrate the culture, it's a beautiful thing," he says.

Diesel says an actor can only visit a place if there is a work requirement and he is happy that he finally got to visit India.
"It was a wonderful reception. I've always wanted to come to India. In my field, if it's not work related, you never get to go to a place. The fact that I got to come to India is something I'll always cherish."

Caruso says the film is a global movie in the truest sense as it features actors from world over.

"We are so excited to be here. The excitement, the enthusiasm, the kindness and the energy level of this city is incredible. To bring this movie here shows that cinema is global, it is not just an American action movie, this is a global movie, people have come in form all over the globe to work in it."

"xXx: The Return of Xander Cage" will hit theatres in India tomorrow.