Toby Stephens talks about his new movie in India and the Die Another Day casting - `MGM didn`t want me`

Toby Stephens, who attracted attention through his portrayal of the cold-blooded Gustav Graves in the James Bond movie Die Another Day, has crossed both the Atlantic and the great divide between the bad guys and the good guys to team up with Aamir Khan in 1857: The Rising - report The Times Of India.

"The Bond assignment was a test for me," reveals Toby, "A few candidates were shortlisted and I was called for a fill-fledged screen test with lights, costumes and sword fights. Being a theatre person, I felt I wouldn`t make it. Also, there was a tussle between MGM, which didn’t want me, and producer Barbara Brocolli, who wanted me in the film. Finally, I was in!"

Moving on to Toby`s passage to India, he maintains that shooting for a movie is more or less similar everywhere. "For me, there is no difference between working here and in the West. After all, one faces the same cameras, lights and microphones. But I must say that it`s great to work in different places with different professionals."

With shooting for The Rising is slated to keep Toby in India till March next year, Toby is making the most of his time in the country. "I am travelling across the country and trying to imbibe the culture of India and its people. I must say that I am thoroughly enjoying my time!" With due respect to James, Toby Stephens has a new bond in his life — a bond with India .

Discuss this news here...