The Jungle Book's Neel Sethi says he adores Priyanka Chopra and SRK

India is no stranger to Rudyard Kipling’s Mowgli, the boy from The Jungle Book, who was raised by the wolves, befriended a bear and trained with the panthers. Now, as the film is poised for a world premiere, its protagonist Neel Sethi, a 10-year-old from New York is back in India on his seventh visit to the country. Neel went straight back to his roots, which happens to be the city of Mumbai, the same city where Kipling, the creator of Mowgli was born, in a little cottage in South Mumbai. The busy boy took some time to have a chat with us where he spoke about being Mowgli, his life in the US, finding Priyanka Chopra and Scarlett Johansson “very cool” and more. Excerpts from an interview:

Neel, how does it feel to be Mowgli?
It feels awesome. I had seen the Disney animated series to prepare for the audition and that really helped me emote for my scenes.

How did you bag this role? Director Jon Favreau said he picked you because he found you charismatic, funny and spontaneous…
My Indian dance class teacher had heard about the role and felt that I’d be really good for it. I decided to try it out and Jon really liked me. I got a call back and so we went to Los Angeles and I started filming. Jon never really told me (why he picked me). But he keeps saying I was very “charismatic” (shrugs and laughs).

You have worked with Hollywood’s Oscar-winning cast and crew, and also a few Bollywood biggies. How was that like?
Overall it has been a lot of fun. However, I didn’t get to work with anyone in Bollywood. We just did our part in the recording studio.

So, you didn’t really get to meet Priyanka Chopra and Irrfan Khan?
No, not yet. But I hope I get to meet them soon.

Do you like watching Bollywood films? Do you have any favourites here?
Yeah, I do like Indian movies, but haven’t watched any recently. My favourite star would probably be Priyanka Chopra. She is also a Hollywood actress now and she plays Kaa in the Hindi version of The Jungle Book.

Who would you pick between Priyanka Chopra and Scarlett Johansson for a voiceover?
I can’t pick between them! They are both very cool.

As you are the only human character in this film, how was your time on the sets like?
I worked with a lot of styrofoam pieces and puppets. Jon sometimes got into the puppet costume and interacted with me. It was fun.

How did you manage to nail your expressions by just working with styrofoam?
I tried my best. Every time I did a scene well, I said, ‘Neeled it!’ instead of ‘nailed it’. So that was kind of a thing on the sets (smiles).

We know Baloo is Mowgli’s best friend. But who is your favourite in the film?
It’s Baloo, because he is so free-spirited and laid-back. He doesn’t worry too much. And even though he looks after Mowgli, he doesn’t pressurise him to do things.

Do you know that Shah Rukh Khan is called Bollywood’s King Khan? You think he would make a good Sher Khan?
Yes I’ve heard that. I don’t know though but yes, his voice is very much like Sher Khan’s.

Jon Favreau’s film Chef is being remade into a Hindi film. Do you think you’d be a frontrunner to play the kid?
I actually didn’t know they were doing that. But if given a chance, sure. That would be a lot of fun.

Do you think your Mowgli can give Tarzan a run for his money? India’s jungle boy raised by the wolves versus Africa’s child raised by apes…
I don’t know… but I guess he’s a lot like Mowgli, but grown up. However, they are two very different stories, but with all of India backing this film, I do hope Mowgli shines.

There are millions of Indians waiting to watch this film, especially because they have grown up watching the animated series The Jungle Book. What did you grow up watching?
I am still growing up (smiles) and I usually watch anything that’s on TV. But right now, I am watching a lot of F.R.I.E.N.D.S. I like that show a lot.

You have been in Mumbai for only a few days. How have you been spending your free time here?
I stayed with my granny for a little while. I was born in New York, but my whole family is here. And it is a lot of fun, because I got to play cricket with my cousins. I was cheering for India and saw them win a match on last Sunday.

Did you get a chance to watch Batman v/s Superman?
No I haven’t. But I want to.

Who’s your all-time favourite superhero?
My all-time favourite would be Captain America.

Did Scarlett (who plays Black Widow in the film) say anything about taking you to the premiere of her film Captain America: Civil War?
I’m not sure, but I hope she does. I didn’t get to spend time with her during the recordings, but I did meet her during a photo-shoot. She is a very nice and a very cool person.

Do you have more film projects in the pipeline?
I have some plans in the works. I want to work in both Hollywood and Bollywood. I really want to give Bollywood a shot. I think that would be awesome.