Exclusive: Actor Angela Bassett on playing President in MI, Tom Cruise, and India
Angela Bassett plays the American President in 'Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning.' For the Academy Award nominee, portraying strong, empowered women comes naturally. Whether it her role as Queen Ramonda in 'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever', which earned her an Oscar nomination, or her latest stint as President Erica in 'MI', Bassett fearlessly chooses roles that are out of the box and powerful.In an exclusive conversation with India Today, Angela spoke about the joy of playing an American President, working with Tom Cruise and her desire to visit India.Excerpts from the conversation:Angela did you know Indian designer JJ Valaya dressed you up in Black Panther?advertisementWow, no, I didn't know his name, but I knew some of my favourite gowns, especially the red one in the film was made by an Indian designer. I loved it and it was my absolute favourite.Do you find it empowering to play an American President who is a woman of color? Do you think it sets an example for young girls watching the film?
Oh, it's incredibly empowering. And I hope that they will get the message that they can be whoever they want, don't be reticent about imagining your life in any possible way. You know, you can do it. Nothing's impossible for you if you can dream it.What if Queen Ramonda from Black Panther had to cross over into 'Mission Impossible'? What do you think she would do?advertisementWell, Queen Ramonda was very concerned for her country's safety. And in 'Mission Impossible,' Erica (the President) is considering her country and the world - all of humanity at large. But I think they're both very strategic and like-minded and have the best interest of the people they love.Do you remember the first time you heard the iconic Mission Impossible title music?Oh, absolutely. You know, it's just a part of my musical memory. And that one is emblazoned in there. As soon as we hear it, it's like a match being struck and a fuse being set. And off we go.Did you learn anything new about Tom Cruise while making this movie?I don't think I found out anything that we don't know. I mean, we've witnessed his joy, his enthusiasm, his love for moviemaking, his fearlessness. His passion and dedication to his craft is unmatched.And that's just who he is through and through as an actor and a film maker.Have you watched any Indian movies, or do you have plans to visit India?Oh I would love to visit India the day I get the chance. I am absolutely excited at that idea. Is there a prop or a piece from the set that you would love to take back home from Mission Imposible ?advertisementYou know, in 'Wakanda,' I got to keep my beads, the ones that are so iconic with Queen Ramonda. They brought them out every morning and took it back every evening and were very tight with it. But on the last day of the shoot, the prop master gifted me those beads and I thought it was such a beautiful gift. Well, from the set of 'Mission Impossible' I would love to take the key. You know the one that is very important!'Mission Impossible - The Final Reckoning' hits theatres across India on May 17.
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