AMITABH BACHCHAN – Free and Frank Conversation with Bollywood Insider

What more can you write about a man that has not already been written, one who has seamlessly entertained generations of fans with his inimitable emoting skills, influenced fellow actors to follow in his footsteps and inspired successive generations of his ilk to try and emulate him on screen?

At 77, when most prefer to walk into the sunset contented, the man who towers over the rest in Bollywood’s pantheon of actors, continues to surprise and deliver. Ever since he began his trailblazing journey 50 years ago with Saat Hindustani, Amitabh Bachchan has overcome disappointments – he had 12 consecutive flops before hitting pay dirt with Zanjeer and a debilitating injury on the sets of Coolie that almost ended his career, to show time and again that he is a master at his craft even at this age.

His off-screen setbacks - right from political misadventure to production blues - have also failed to slow him down and the result is a septuagenarian moving with the times, from single screen to multiplexes to now Over-The-Top platforms. His much-awaited upcoming release, Gulabo Sitabo is set to be shown on the digital platform and Big B, in a free-wheeling interview to Shubarna Mukherji Shu of Bollywood Insider, reveals what keeps him going even in adversity.

From single screen theatres to multiplex, from television back to films and of course, now going digital. How does it feel to be the only actor who has transitioned so successfully?

At this age and point in my career, to be able to get an opportunity to work in projects that are so diverse and yet garnering acclaim is a wonder. Which medium, doesn’t really come into my sense of priorities! My admiration is for the audiences, it is them actually who are tiding over these mediums. For me, I am getting to work with young talent and that is awesome. May that continue and give me the value of their presence.

When the times change, does the craft also change? Is there any change that’s so conspicuous that you have noticed?

My work is completely dependent on my director. The concept, the attitude and the character are all designed by the maker. It is his creative process. We discuss that over several meetings and when we arrive at a consensus, we go on the floor. Filmmaking is teamwork. If there is something that we all agree upon, then we introduce it or remove it. For me, each film is different, each experience is different. Of course, there is change, but when you are in the flow with it, it is not conspicuous, unlike your assumption.

What happens when you see your earlier works; do you see how much your craft has changed?

Like I said, each day for an actor, I would imagine, creates a change. We see, we observe, we participate
in different projects and they all give us a lead into how the craft can be improved. It is a learning for
me, at least. To answer your query, I am not certain what I see when I look at my earlier works. There are
many memories that come to my mind when I happen to see some of my old works, so I cannot be too
analytical cinematically anymore.

What was your experience working with Ayushmann Khurrana?

Ayushmann Khurrana is an exceptional talent, one that I have always admired and it has been a privilege working with him. Any opportunity to work with a good talent is a learning experience for me. These actors today are so fresh, they work like oxygen! It is always good to be in their midst, for they bring a freshness to the scenes, and that is most commendable.

Earlier film shoots went on for months together, today some are finished within a few weeks. Is this pace fun or dizzying?

I enjoy the pace. Finishing a project in a month reflects great planning, administration and execution. It merely adds to the professional outlook that we should be acknowledging. It also gives, me at least, an opportunity of getting on to another project - projects that at this stage are difficult to come my way...

Many actors today insist on making some kind of social statement through their films. You too have done the same in many of your films. Now are there any pet projects you would like to showcase in your films?

I do not deliberately go out seeking or looking for a film that shall address a particular social issue, but when a maker comes along with one, I am interested in it. There are many prominent social problems that need to be addressed, and if there is a story that can be interestingly designed to include the issue, it is most welcome.

Being an entertainment medium, it’s unjust to expect every film to take a moral or social stand but the impact films have on audiences cannot be disputed. Which films have left an impression on you, as a viewer,over the past few years?

No, it is not unjust to expect films to take up moral and social problems. Each and every film made in this country has addressed a moral and social issue. Because each film delivers poetic justice within three hours-a justice that you and I shall never achieve in one life or several lives. Poetic justice in three hours means that some injustice has been corrected. And the injustice always shall reflect a social or moral wrong. The strength of cinema in this country is yes, the quotient of entertainment, but it is the deliverance of poetic justice, the victory of good over evil, that has given it such prominence.

For someone with your social influence if there is one thing you can tell our readers, a message or a stand you would like to share, what would it be and why?

I think what this generation needs, rather desperately, is the instituting of discipline; I would really like the readers of Bollywood Insider to incorporate that.

Many confused Gulabo Sitabo with Shoojit Sircar’s Shoebite (yet another film featuring you). Can you tell us what’s the stat on that film?

The film is now with the production house and for reasons best known to them, not being released. A pity, because it is a rather nice film, which needs to be seen. Many people involved in it have put in tremendous hard work. It would be grave injustice to them, if it does not see the light of the
cinema screens.

For someone who has been in the industry for many decades, a word of advice for those who get disheartened about bad press and detractors?

Listen to each one of them and make an effort to beat them!

Often, we have had films based on books hitting the marquee...are there any books you would have liked to turn into movies?

Yes... but I cannot reveal the name due to confidential non-disclosure documentation!

With a house filled with celebrated members, a far more intrusive media than the times when Shweta and Abhishek were kids, as a grandparent, it must be difficult to keep Navya Naveli, Agastya and Aaradhya away from the limelight. Is there a conscious effort to let
them enjoy their privacy and pace or is it better to just accept the changing times and cope?

One of the tenets of media and journalism is ‘intrusion’. They are the Fourth  Estate in a recognised and pertinent democracy - the largest in the world! Their presence is eventual and a given! It is beyond debate. It is their job!

The West has designed regulations for the exposure of celebrity children, and they follow it most diligently. Individuals who wish to keep media or a stalker, or just any objectionable character in public at a distance, have the liberty to go to court and get a ruling in their favour. I believe the distance is
150 yards. This legal facility is not available in India! With communication technology at its vibrant best, it shall be impossible to keep such moments free of the ‘intrusion’ you talk of. It is an eventuality. Accept it and move on. However, I must say that when you and I shall desire complete privacy, there
is no way we cannot or will not be able to enjoy or execute it...

That is so well said. If you want it, you can have it! Talking about things you have shared, I cannot help but remember the beautiful letter you shared post Pink... What’s your one advice to the girls of India?

Women are 50% the strength of a nation, rapidly increasing in its percentage. Respect, dignity and the freedom of their expression needs to be valued.

Seeing your photographs with a neck-brace, days when you are in pain, discomforted, how do you find the enthusiasm and drive to give your job your best?

So long as I am not a pain in the neck for someone else, I am fine with that. If a commitment has been made, I shall make every effort to honour it. If there are circumstances beyond my control, I shall excuse myself, or withdraw!