Being Bachchan

AMITABH BACHCHAN REMAINS one of the greatest actors India has seen. At the age of 71, his packed schedule can put any younger actor to shame. He has been an integral part of the Indian film industry for more than four decades. He is not just an institution of acting; his passion for work has made many believe that if you really work hard and learn every day then miracles can be achieved.

Apart from being a highly respected and acclaimed actor, he also believes in progressing with time. He has a strong presence online with over eight million followers on Twitter and over ten million on Facebook. He also regularly updates his blog apart from interacting with fans worldwide daily via Twitter.

Acting happened to him by chance, but he ended up becoming one of the biggest superstars of India. He believes that while the concept of ‘icons’ is still in people’s mindsets, it is not something he personally believes in. He was known as a one-man industry in the film world during the seventies and eighties.

Age has never been a barrier for him. He made a successful shift from being a leading man to accepting the fact that he has aged and younger actors will get more prominent roles. As he aged, he experimented more with characters be it in Paa (2009), Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna (2006), Nishabd (2007), Sarkar (2005), Jhoom Barabar Jhoom (2007) or The Great Gatsby (2013). He has convicingly played different characters over the years. He does not show any sign of slowing down and still keeps pursuing acting projects that are challenging, and a country, the majority of whose population is youth, still accepts him as a leading man. His popularity is not limited to India but spreads across geographical boundaries.

Many consider him a phenomenon and we were pleasantly surprised when he promptly responded to our request for an interview. We wished the conversation could have been prolonged, but we also know there is always a next time. Bachchan will be back on the silver screen with Bhootnath Returns that releases in the UAE on April 10. This film is a sequel to Bhootnath (2008) where he will reprise his role of a lovable ghost.

What drew you to Bhootnath Returns?

The fact that it complimented the original as a sequel. The director Nitesh Tiwari, whose work I had seen and been a part of, did all the writing work for the Kaun Banega Crorepati promos. And the story and screenplay, which were conceptually novel. Also, the fact that T Series and Bhushan were to jointly produce it, for the banner BR Films, when the heir Ravi Chopra, who produced the original, lies stricken in bed with an ailment that has still not been diagnosed.

Bhootnath was popular amongst children. Do you enjoy catering to a young audience?

I enjoy catering to all audiences. Young, old and the not so old. Children are always special, and the child element in this film is the main attraction. Young Parth, who plays the character of Akhrot, is an exceptional artist, a true champion. He has done some wonderful work in Marathi cinema. Recently his film was given recognition at the Berlin Film Festival.

You always had an inclination towards music. What did it feel like shooting with Honey Singh?

It was an amazing experience... and a learning one too! Yo Yo is another extraordinary talent.

This movie has politics as its backdrop. What’s your take on the current political mood of the country?

Politics is also a part of this film, but not in the sense that you are assuming. I am apolitical in my personal capacity, but after you see the film there will be something to behold, that may answer your query.

Many women-centric roles are being written today in Bollywood, which audiences are appreciating. What are your thoughts on this changing trend?

Firstly, women are balanced and equal participants in our society. This is what I have always believed, propagated and shall continue to do so. Yes there are many examples of women-centric films in recent times, but I disagree that it is a changing trend. Films where women have been given prominence has been around for many years – Nargis ji in Mother India, Nutan ji in Sujata, Waheeda Rehman, Meena Kumari, Mala Sinha, Hema Malini, Jaya, to name a few and many others have featured in women-centric films!

And what really do you mean by ‘women-centric’? A female titled film is no criteria in my opinion. Most other films where a women has played an important role, is up for consideration too... a devoted wife, a sincere and caring sister, a loyal friend, a sacrificing woman. To me they are also central to the film. They may have had a small presence in the film per se, but it has been their intervention, their order, their justice, that has prevailed in designing the final outcome of a screenplay. That prominence makes the film women-centric.

What kind of roles still inspire you as an actor?

Roles that can pose to be challenging. That can give me sleepless nights...

Would you like to make a movie about your father’s legacy someday?

No.

When The Great Gatsby won two Oscars, what was your reaction, considering you were an essential part of the film?

Quite obviously I was very excited. The amount of labour and energy put in to produce Gatsby had been immense. I am happy that Baz Luhrmann and his wife were rewarded for it.

Do you plan to pursue any Hollywood roles in the future?

If there are suitable offers... yes.

One of your looks from a recent advertisement was compared to Gandalf from Lord Of The Rings in social media. Out of curiosity, are you a Gandalf fan?

I regret I have not seen Lord of the Rings, and am not aware of Gandalf. When production did a test, they wanted a long haired ‘Takat ka Bhoot’. What transpired thereafter was something invented by my make-up team and me.