Songwriter and Producer Björn Ulvaeus

Together with Benny Andersson, his former partner from ABBA, Björn Ulvaeus has just produced the musical "Mamma Mia" in Stockholm. For the production, the modest Swede has made new arrangements of ABBA's twenty-four greatest hits and -- for the first time -- had them translated into Swedish.

His favourite pop song is "Hotel California" by the Eagles. If he's ever depressed, he reads the novels of P.G. Wodehouse to cheer himself up. And as far as food is concerned, he prefers Italian and French cuisine.

How would you describe your personality?
I’m persistent, I 'd like to think of myself as a good father, reasonably intelligent, reasonably talented in what I do.

What makes you happiest?
I think it would be you know to be with my kids, my family on a trip somewhere exciting; and my grandchild, whom I’m going to meet after this interview. That is a great joy.

What's your secret passion?
It’s not secret really, I don’t have a secret passion but I love boating. I love boats and you know, boating around the archipelago of Stockholm.

Who's your personal hero?
Probably Mandela, after what he went through.

How would you define a good friendship?
That has to be honesty and loyalty plus humour. Without humour nothing works.

Do you owe anyone a special thank you? My mother and father of course, my wife and my children for the fact that they are around.

And do you owe anyone a special apology? I’m not perfect, but I can’t think of anyone right now.

Does you have an unfulfilled ambition?
I think I 've never used a parachute. I would like to jump off a plane sometime. The feeling of being out there before you pull the string.

What do you value most?
It is the house that I live in. Because when I moved to Stockholm, and this is thirty, forty years ago ,-- it's on an island -- I used to walk past it and think, 'Oh my God, imagine living in a place like that. And about ten years ago, all of a sudden it was for sale and I was able to buy it. That is my most valued possession.