Interview:Amitabh Bachchan

MOST OF AISHWARYA’S FILMS HAVE DONE THE OBVIOUS WITH HER – CAPITALIZED ON HER NATURAL ASSETS. ‘SARKAAR RAJ’ DOES NOT PAY ATTENTION TO IT’
Looking at Amitabh Bachchan’s filmography had my mind boggled. It was awesome and awe inspiring. But most films had their histories and chemistries playing out as they took shape. There were many unanswered questions. So I invoked the genie called Genius. ‘Grant my request, let these questions be answered’, I prayed. He did. Midway, the bogeyman called ‘Bhoothnath’ scared me a bit (Bhoothnath was upset with tiresome media), but genial Genius made magic happen and the interview was completed.

SD: Was it for Aishwarya or for Ashutosh that you did the narrative voice over in ‘Jodhaa Akbar? Did you never feel like you wanted to be part of the film? Were you ever invited to be a part of the cast of the film by Ashutosh? What did you experience when you watched the entire film?

AB: I did the commentary because Ashutosh was over for dinner to the house one day and asked me to do it. But yes, the fact that Aishwarya was in the film was a welcome factor in my consent. I was never ever considered for the film, though who would not want to have worked with Ashutosh after seeing his body of work. Many perhaps do not know that he and I go back a while.

He played a character in a film of mine. A gang member in ‘Indrajeet’. We actually did some action scenes together.My reactions to the film after seeing it have been quite elaborately expressed in earlier interviews. But if you have no qualms about me repeating them I shall express them again – grand, powerful, socially significant and ethereal!
 
SD: It’s heard that you wanted ‘Jodhaa Akbar’ to be Aishwarya’s first release after her marriage to Abhishek? Were you in a position to make and obtain
a fulfillment of that request?

AB: I have never entertained such desires, never did, nor ever will. My job is that of an actor, not an administrator.
 

SD: In ‘Bhoothnath’, you play a ghost, and in Sujoy Ghosh’s ‘Alladin’, you play a genie, both creatures of imagination and fantasy. How did you keep them different? Were they already scripted out very definitely or did you get to add your own dimension to both characters?

AB: They have both been scripted differently, so my job was simplified greatly. Also, both directors wanted them to be played in a particular manner, which is what I have tried to do.
 
SD: Was ‘Aladdin’ a part of your childhood reading? Did you ever as a child (or even as an adult) wish for magic in your life? Did you ever experience anything that made you feel that it was a magical moment in time?

AB: Most certainly. We all wish for magic in our lives. When I first read Peter Pan I actually believed it was possible to fly like him if you had “good thoughts in your mind” – the philosophy propounded by him in the story. And worse – actually tried taking off from the edge of my bed into the atmosphere. Obviously the results, even after several attempts were disastrous!! Though I must admit that even today, I often have dreams where I attempt to fly, and, would you believe it, actually succeed!!
 
SD: Do you sometimes wish for a genie to fix things quick in real life? (maybe answer extremely long interviews)

AB: Yes ! All the time.
 SD: Apparently, you’ve been rejecting a lot of television offers. Were they not interesting enough or worth your while, or was it a lack of time? What made you consent to be a guest in the finale of ‘Chhote Ustaad’? Do you prefer being a host where you guide the direction of the shows or would you prefer the easy way out and rather be a guest on television shows?

AB: No, I have not been rejecting offers; I have been subjecting them to a fair amount of scrutiny. I think the offers have been very exciting and soon there should be
a decision firmed up. The ‘Chote Ustad’ finale guest is a part of the promotional activity for our film ‘Bhoothnath’. Nothing in life is ever easy, even if you were to wish it so. Certainly not a TV Show.
 
SD: Is it true that you turned down an offer of a show because the time it was to be aired clashed with the time of a Shah Rukh Khan show?
AB: I am unaware of any such occurrence. Yes, during the talks with a particular channel, this issue did come up and I did suggest that it would not be prudent to initiate an activity, which would in any  way hamper or clash with those of a colleague. Ours is a small but very committed fraternity. We are bonded strongly with great magnanimity and respect. It would be unwise to indulge in any process that would be harmful to our unique standing.
 
SD: Have you completed ‘Sarkaar Raj’? Does it take up where ‘Sarkar’ left off? If you’re still playing the same character, i.e. Subhash Nagre, then with Abhishek’s taking over at the end of ‘Sarkar’, where does that leave you in the sequel?

AB: Yes, ‘Sarkaar Raj’ is complete and ready for release. And yes, it does take up from where ‘Sarkar’ left off and despite Abhishek taking over at the end of ‘Sarkar’, there is room for all of us in the sequel.

AB: Ram Gopal Varma claims that ‘Sarkaar Raj’ is Aishwarya’s best performance till date. What do you feel, also having worked with her in
a number of films in the past as a co-actor?

AB: Aishwarya’s performance in ‘Sarkaar Raj’ is most dignified and strong and mature. The role demanded it and she has executed it with great competence. Most of her films have done the obvious with her – capitalized on her natural assets. ‘Sarkaar Raj’ does not pay attention to it. And I think that is what comes out strongly in the film. I think Ramu wanted her to be devoid of any make up and it works well.
SD: There are reports that you were not pleased with the climax scenes of the film and requested a re-shoot which was declined by Ram Gopal Varma, since you want to be careful about the film considering it is to be Abhishek’s first release this year, after the success of ‘Guru’ and post his marriage. One way or the other, did you like the end product and the way the film turned out eventually?

AB: I think you attribute far too many devious administrative theories to my presence as an actor in this wonderful Industry. The film is the director’s vehicle. He is the final authority and his decisions are respected. We, as artists and as members that contribute creatively to any project, will obviously have interpretations and ideas. But we do not get adamant with our tastes. Generally, once the film has taken a final shape, you go with it, because by then, it is too late to accommodate any change or repair.
 
SD: If you might aver that these stories are not true, how then do these allegations arise considering there is no smoke without fire?

AB: Allegations, or should I say purported allegations, arise, because they contain content which titillates the reading sensibilities of the reader or buyer. It could work both ways. Media gets a story and the issue generates inquisitiveness, which on most occasions helps to generate talk about the film. True there is no smoke without fire. But how wonderfully artful to create the smoke before the fire!!
 
SD: You performed some stunts for ‘Bhoothnath’, which you shrugged off as being made too much of. Yet, you have stated that you would not allow Abhishek to do the same and advice him to always be careful and use a stuntman. How come what’s sauce for the goose is not sauce for the gander?

AB: As a parent, and I talk for all parents, we wish that the ills and failures and disappointments of life fell on us than on our children. This is nature calling. I am no different from any concerned father and I would not want to subject my son or any father’s son to the trials and risks that we encounter.

Hence the effort at preventing Abhishek from doing anything that involves a risk. In life we all take precautions. We do not deliberately go out to damage ourselves; not in a civil society at least. But accidents happen. We exercise safety to the utmost.
 
SD: Working with child stars, many of them in the last three years over many films, do you ever sense the loss of the child in you? Do you rekindle that spirit in the company of children or were you a very serious person, even as a child?

AB: One should never kill the child in himself. The child is the most liberated soul in the universe – something that most adults strive at great length to achieve. For
a child it comes naturally. For us it’s a process we contend with through different vocations, mostly without much success. It is a delight to work with children. They educate us in the most unique manner.
 
SD: It is heard that there were many scenes between the Shah Rukh Khan and you in ‘Bhoothnath’, but apparently Shah Rukh didn’t want to do them and expressed a desire that they not be executed. And so the scenes between you’ll was restricted to the climax. Then why do the film together at all?

AB:  Your information on the story, its content and its execution, are a subject of abject mirth. And so too the rest of your insinuations.
 
SD: It does seem that Shah Rukh, despite your 1000 denials, has an axe to grind since as recently as an award ceremony early this year, he took pot shots at the Bachchans, now including Aishwarya, made fun of her, and mocked your film ‘Eklavya’ in front of an audience. How did you react to that when you heard about it, since you’ll were present at no awards functions, due to the recent passing away of your beloved mother? Did it irk you that scant respect or consideration was shown toward your feelings as
a family even at such and occasion?

AB: I cannot comment on whether Shah Rukh has an axe or a hammer to grind. But despite my having spoken to you on this in our earlier interview, you insist on repeating it. Somehow I get the feeling that you and the media are seeking some form of justification for an unsubstantiated rumor, started and continuously nursed by your noble and exalted creed. I suggest that you should be fair and humble in your disposition, admit at having erred and close the matter. If not, then perhaps you should learn to live with guilt.

Ours is a very small intense fraternity, as I said earlier. We live and exist in perhaps some very rare examples of integration in this diverse and divided world. Attempts by the media to put in a wedge in the system has always failed and shall continue to fail. It may bring the reader some temporary excitement by reading about our conduct and demeanor,
but let me assure you our bonds are far stronger and lasting.
 
SD: Apparently another bone of contention that  Shah Rukh nurses with you is that a couple of years ago, Ramu had announced ‘Time Machine’ with him and Kareena, and then decided that SRK didn’t suit the image, and neatly switched to you and Abhishek who had impressed him with your work in ‘Sarkar’. How true is that? Has Shah Rukh ever addressed his beef directly to you regarding this?

AB: Apart from reading about it in the media, I have never been made privy to this development – either by Ramu or Shah Rukh.
 
SD: In any case, what is the status of ‘Time Machine’ which would have been your first sci-fi movie? Are Abhishek and you doing the film or have you’ll declined to be
a part of the film?

AB: Ramu has narrated a story to us, which involves a time machine, but that has the three of us – Abhishek, Aishwarya and me – in it. And I do so wish he would make it soon, for it is an amazingly incredible script.
 
SD: Your film ‘Zamaanat’ had been stuck for ages, and apparently has finally been completed. But will it ever see the light of day. ? Did you ever experience awkwardness working with Karisma Kapur?

AB: Yes.. it has taken a while hasn’t it ? I do hope for the sake of its producer-director and my very dear friend Ramanathanji, that it gets released. I am never awkward working with any of my colleagues. That is primarily because I am woefully trying to deal with my own awkward performance.
 
SD: Apparently, the World Tour later this year with Abhishek, yourself, Aishwarya and others is not taking off without Akshay Kumar who has suddenly become the most saleable name on that list? Does the show actually need his presence to make it commercially viable? Are not Amitabh Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan equally hot names in the commercial circuit?

AB: Having pioneered the whole concept of Concerts from way back in 1981, with star participation and to have put on shows of immense magnitude and success, hitherto unmatched, a World Tour now for me, bears more nostalgic relevance than one which questions, ‘who is on board?’ and ‘who not?’. The fact that there is interest in it even after 18 years since I last performed, is highly excitable for me. My desire has always been to bring the largest and the best representation of Indian entertainment to a worldwide audience. The pride that it generates in me cannot be evaluated through commerce. Akshay Kumar will be very much a part of the Concert, as will several others.
 
SD: You play yourself in Mahesh Manjrekar’s ‘Struggler’. What is delaying the film? Is it a long role or just a brief appearance? Can you identify with the issue of every actor in the country wanting to be an Amitabh Bachchan who is the benchmark forever, yesterday, today and every tomorrow for actors. Considering you’ve been around for close to three decades, there is still no generation that has not witnessed your work.

AB: I am afraid I cannot identify with the issue of every actor wanting to hold me as a benchmark, simply because I personally never harbored such intent for myself. I have admired and respected and idolized with immense awe, the work and contribution of many, but never held them as a benchmark for achievement. No actor should. It would be very limiting for them. Creativity should never be confined within boundaries. It would be a devastating blow for its inevitable progress.
 
SD: Post ‘Eklavya’, Vidhu Vinod Chopra was to start ‘Talisman’ with you, rumouredly the Indian equivalent of ‘Lord of the Rings’. Have you seen the English film or read Tolkien’s book? Will the script truly be that fantastic? (just a tangential thought- You seem to be doing a lot of ‘out of the world’ characters in your films, na) In your experience, has a film like ‘Lord of the Rings been ever mounted by a desi director? Possible?

AB: Yes ‘Talisman’ is on the anvil and its logistics are being worked on. The story that I have heard from the director did not seem to give any indication of a link to ‘Lord of the Rings’. It is a fantasy though, on an extremely lavish scale. But, if I may express myself further on a related note. Why is it that we continuously seek to address all our indigenous produce as a comparative to a Western world equivalent?

 I find it an act reeking of grave servility. Being ruled by foreign powers for centuries may have ingrained that in us, but our freedom now and the stupendous independent progress that we are impressing the whole world with, bears testimony to the fact that it is time we looked upon ourselves with immense pride and individualism. I am fed up of these constant remarks that demean us.

Whether it is a terminology derived from the word Hollywood, or whether it is describing the acumen of an actor with that of a Brando or Brad Pitt, or comparing cities to Shanghai or Manhattan, or going to great lengths in conveying to the foreigner that the bhindi is indeed the ladies finger. The Indian Film Industry is the Indian Film Industry. Dilip Kumar and Shah Rukh are Dilip Kumar and Shah Rukh, Mumbai is Mumbai and a bhindi is a bhindi. Period.
 
SD: Vinod Chopra’s ‘64 Squares’ too boasts you in the cast credits, whenever it is made. Do you agree to all these films on a one-line narration or do you read the entire scripts before you consent to working in them? Do you play chess?

AB: I read the entire script. Sometimes, though, just the face of the director or producer can be reason enough for me to be involved in a project. Or not. I do play chess. And if I may say so with some authority, rather badly.
 
SD: Raj Thackeray has been taking off on you about not being an upstanding enough Mumbaikar and a more devoted UP ite? Despite your sober and justified retort, there were attacks on your residence post that. Did you feel scared or threatened by such incidents? Did you seek justice in this case?

AB: In a free country, every citizen has the right to express himself and every citizen has the right to be protected and guided by the law of the land. When justice is demanded it shall prevail.
 
SD: You have not been too well around Abhishek’s birthday, as well as whilst shooting for ‘Shoebite’. With such tight schedules, how is it humanly possible for one man to be doing so many films in a finite amount of time?

AB: Mankind has no idea about its capacity as a human.