The one and only Amitabh
The stalwart among actors still stands out in Bollywood at the ripe age of 68. At a time when most of his contemporaries have retired, Amitabh Bachchan raises his benchmark with every new milestone and strives to attain greater goals.
Having won the national award for his role in Paa, Bachchan says he still has a lot to accomplish. In an exclusive conversation with this paper, the BBC’s icon of the millennium talked about what keeps him going.
The superstar’s humility sets him apart from artistes of his ilk. “At this age I feel humbled that the youth of today accept me as their co-actor and they give me an opportunity to work with them,” he says. Quizzed about his success, Bachchan attributes it to the directors and producers he has worked with. “I have worked with many directors and producers like Hrishikesh Mukherjee, Yash Chopra, Ramesh Sippy and B.R. Chopra, I owe my success to them,” he quips.
Looking back nostalgically, he recounts, “I came to this industry way back in 1968-69. I had given an audition for a Nargis and Sunil Dutt film but that did not work. The first break that I got was in Khwaja Ahmed Abbas’s film. I have many fond memories of that movie and I still cherish them.”
Having completed almost 41 years in the industry, the Big B is still going strong. “Every day brings new challenges for me professionally and I am happy to have managed to keep pace with contemporary films. New technicians, actors and directors make their debut in the film industry every now and then and it’s exciting and enjoyable to keep up with their enthusiasm and freshness which rubs off on me. I am also thankful to my fans who’ve stood by me. Their prayers have seen me through tough times,” he reveals.
No other actor in Indian cinema has come close to the adulation and fame that Bachchan has received nationally and internationally. So, how does it feel to be working with other stars, are there any ego clashes? “I am not a superstar, I am an actor. My duty is to perform to the best of my abilities. So, I believe in respecting everyone I work with,” he replies.
Emphasising the need for younger actors in his films, he says: “I do not carry the film on my shoulders solely. The length of my work is less compared to the films I did in my prime, when I used to be the sole hero. Now the entire team, including the producer, director and cast [be it Shah Rukh Khan or Salman Khan] puts the film together. It would be foolishness to cast me in something that is not suited to my age. So, younger actors ought to be there.”
But it hasn’t always been smooth sailing for the Big B. His company AB Corp failed, leaving him in a sea of debt. But he fought back valiantly and gave it a new lease of life. Now AB Corp is not only making Hindi films but regional productions too. “We are happy that our film Vihir (Marathi) has been to the Berlin and Korean Film Festivals and has received a positive response. We have decided to make many more regional films under the AB Corporation banner,” he says. And the formula for Bachchan’s super success? Humility, sincerity and a passion for work.
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