Actor Jude Law tells SYIDA LIZTA AMIRUL IHSAN about being a peace ambassador and the face of a new fragrance for men.

IT’S easy to dismiss Jude Law as a poster child who became an actor simply because of his smouldering good looks.

But let’s not forget that this 37-year-old father of three received two Oscar nominations — for his role as wounded Confederate soldier Inman in Cold Mountain and as golden boy Dickie Greenleaf in The Talented Mr. Ripley, both directed by Anthony Minghella.

Sure, he has his rom-com moments, including Alfie, in which he met ex-girlfriend Sienna Miller, and The Holiday, in which he did the adorable Mr. Napkin Head trick.

His latest project marks his return to his career roots: he will take on the role of Shakespearean hero Hamlet, a character he has been itching to play, in London’s West End for three months from the end of May.

Tickets are selling fast and at press time, only limited seats were available for most shows.

It will see him re-uniting with Kenneth Branagh, whom he worked with in 2007’s Sleuth.

Law will also be the face of a new fragrance — the Dior Homme Sport. Below is the interview with him, courtesy of Christian Dior Parfums and Cosmetics.

Question: What are the scents you remember?

Law: The smell of freshly-cut grass in summer, reminding me of schooldays. My favourites are the scents of my children’s hair and the sea. That of fresh coffee always reminds me of my father in the morning because he would be the one making it for breakfast. The smell of rain on concrete reminds me fondly of London..

Q: What do you look for when choosing a scent?

Law: I don’t like very heavy scents. And I like anything that appeals to me.

Q: When you smell Dior Homme Sport, what is the first thing you think of?

Law: Fresh air and a summer beach. “Attractive” comes to mind, something that’s good for both on and off the sports field.

Q: Where did you shoot the campaign?

Law: In the Bahamas, with a huge team of photographers, cameramen, directors and designers! I had an enjoyable time on the beach.

Q: What would you bottle as total happiness?

Law: Peace of mind.

Q: What is your favourite pastime?

Law: Spending time with my family. I am now learning the piano, which I enjoy very much. I also love football, cricket and gardening, and keeping fit by working out.

Q: Who are your heroes and who do you wish you could meet?

Law: Writers Samuel Beckett and Philip Larkin and boxing legend Muhammad Ali. Also, William Shakespeare and director Stanley Kubrick.

Q: You are judged on looks in your job. Does this bother you?

Law: You get used to it. It happens to everyone appearing in front of a camera for a living. But I hope to be known as someone who’s thoroughly professional — and a good father.

Q: Which books have touched you?

Law: There are many, but most recently it’s Iris Murdoch’s The Sea, The Sea.

Q: What are your favourite movies and why?

Law: My list changes every week but two of my absolute favourites are Night of the Hunter and All That Jazz.

Q: Who are your favourite actors?

Law: Sean Penn (whom I was lucky enough to act with) and Daniel Day-Lewis.

Q: Do you prefer film or theatre?

Law: They are different but equally fulfilling.

Q: Tell us about Peace One Day.

Law: Peace One Day is a non-partisan organisation run by Jeremy Gilley, an old friend who has spent the last decade persuading people to live in peace with one another, one step at a time.

Last year on Sept 21, the international day of peace, thanks to his efforts, thousands of children in Afghanistan were inoculated against polio.

Q: Tell us more about your involvement in it.

Law: As an ambassador for Peace One Day, I went to Afghanistan with Jeremy, who was shooting a documentary called The Day After Peace. I was the media magnet Jeremy needed to get the publicity for his film.

Q: What does luxury mean to you?

Law: The older one gets, the more one realises that time is a luxury — whether taking time, having time, or having something that lasts, like anything of quality. Taking time to be alone, or making time for people, is a luxury I consider very precious.