Articles related to: Amitabh Bachchan - Page 3

Nishabd isn't just about sex

Bollywood Megastar Amitabh Bachchan says his forthcoming film 'Nishabd' deals with the psychology of a 60-year-old man who falls in love with an 18-year-old girl. ''The film dwells with the genuine emotions of the man and the effect it has on his family when confronted with such a situation and how they deal with it. The audience understand the honest and genuine feelings of my character in the film rather than sex and sensuality,'' Bachchan said at a press conference after the music release of Ramgopal Varma's latest film which stars himself and newcomer Jiah Khan, here last night. Nishabd releases on March two. Filmmaker Vishal Bharadwaj has composed the music of the film. Bachchan has sung one track 'Rozana' composed by Vishal. He felt that with the audience rapidly maturing in their taste for good cinema, it was high time that filmmakers experimented with creative ideas rather than stick to escapist cinema. Bachchan said he had no reservations about accepting the role. ''When I read the script, I knew here was nothing to fear,'' he said. ''what is important is to look at the situation which the characters find themselves in. It is what creativity and filmmaking is all about,'' said the Big B. ''Creativity is about imagining what would happen if they find themselves in such a situation. The film is about dwelling into their minds,''he added. Human beings are complex and it is never that easy to comprehend why people do what they do. Relationships are never as simple as they appear to be, he said. To a question on whether relationship as shared by his character and newcomer Jiah Khan in the film is justified at the end of the movie, Amitabh said, ''for that you will have to see the entire film.'' To a question on whether he apprehends criticism about doing the film considering the flak he has received for 'Boom' and Sexy Sam character in 'Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna', Amitabh asked, ''Do you think I should not have done Sexy Sam character. But, it was no frivolous as it was made out to be.'' 'Nishabd' is Ramu's most sensitive story about human relationships. Varma is a responsible director and I have faith in his capabilities,'' said Amitabh. Varma said he would not have attempted this film had Bachchan not agreed to do the role. ''I used his larger than life image, performing talent and strength in the film. A body ages, feelings do not,'' he added. When asked why he took the risk of making an unconventional film when his recent films have not done well, said, ''A film is a film and cannot be perceived as a risk before its release.'' Newcomer Jiah Khan said she plays her age in the film. ''My character is of different shades who is extreme in her thoughts. It was interesting to play such a role,'' she added. Meanwhile, Red FM presented the music launch of the film and the live preview along with the cast and crew.

http://www.santabanta.com/cinema.asp?pid=13557

Big B has a few weaknesses

Superstar Amitabh Bachchan does have some weaknesses, the main ones among them being bad taste in shoes and the fact that he 'just works too hard', says the author of an unauthorised biography of the actor. "Amitabh has a few weaknesses. For one, I think he has horrible taste in shoes. I also don't like his movies, especially ones like Lal Badshah and Shahenshah," Jessica Hines, who has penned the biography said. "On a more serious note though, I think he just works too hard and that makes it difficult for him to remain objective about his work. I think he works very, very hard, and that makes it difficult for him to put some distance between him and his work. Then you cannot get objective about it. However, I can understand why he would want to work so hard because he is doing some of his best work at this point in his career," said Hines, whose book Looking For The Big B was released in London last month. Talking about her unusual friendship with Bachchan, she said, "I look at him as a person who has flaws just like all of us. He is a great movie star and definitely somebody any journalist would want to write about because there has been so much drama and emotion in his life." Admitting that Bachchan 'was not entirely happy' with the book's first draft, she said, "Initially he was not at all happy about it because he didn't want me to use his father's (poet Harivanshrai Bachchan) autobiography as a source for my book. He wanted to keep his family out of it, but I couldn't do that."

http://www.santabanta.com/cinema.asp?pid=13571

Big B to play genie in Aladdin

Amitabh Bachchan will play the genie in a Bollywood fantasy based on the Disney classic Aladdin, filmmaker Rohan Sippy said in a newspaper interview published on Monday. Rohan said the movie was to be set in 2007 and filming was scheduled to begin this summer. "It is a modern take on Aladdin. The film will have a lot of computer graphics and special effects," he told a leading newspaper. "It has the potential to be a great family entertainer," Rohan added. The movie, to be directed by promising filmmaker Sujoy Ghosh, also stars actors Sanjay Dutt and Riteish Deshmukh.

http://www.santabanta.com/cinema.asp?pid=13569

Big B visits Ash on the sets of Jodha Akbar
[ 3 Mar, 2007 0923hrs ISTMUMBAI MIRROR ]

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1716495.cms

Gracella😛

'You can't expect sex in a Big B film!'
By: Vickey Lalwani
March 5, 2007

no sex for sexy sam: Amitabh Bachchan in Nishabd Ram Gopal Varma's Nishabd has raised many eyebrows. While critics have divided opinions about the film, the audience is not exactly flocking to the theatres for a look-see. Most critics feel Ramu copped out of making a more sexual (thus more 'real') film thanks to the Big B's demi-god image, while several members of the audience have expressed their distaste at Bachchan's choice of subject. Ramu defends his film saying he never intended to push the envelope. Are you getting many reactions to Nishabd? I've made a realistic film. A realistic film is like a human being — either you like him or you don't. I'm getting extreme reactions, but that was bound to happen. Anybody who sees the film will react to it according to their personal sensibilities and how they feels about certain issues of morality. So what are the reactions like? it ain't gonna happen: Ram Gopal Varma There are people who feel this is my best work. Then there are others who think I shouldn't have made Nishabd at all. There are also people who think Mr Bachchan should have gone off with Jiah in the end. And everybody who is reacting to the film thinks he/she is right! The best compliment you've received so far? A girl messaged, saying, 'Thanks. Having seen Nishabd, I now understand my father better'. I don't know what her father had done (shrugs). Vijay (Bachchan) only lusts for Jiah (Khan); he has no love for her. True? No. Lust is a language of love. It cannot exist on its own. He does love her. It's only that Vijay realises he is in love after a certain point. Doesn't he admit it to his family too? It's important to note here that he only admits that when he is questioned whether he is serious about her. Wouldn't it have been better if Jiah had been shown as an innocent girl? Her sensuality is very in-your-face. Jiah couldn't be shown as an innocent girl. I could not put her in a sari and make her sing bhajans! Jiah comes from a different plane. Everything about her — the way she speaks, dresses and even sits —is alien to Vijay and his family. That is exactly what draws him to her. Besides, the girl comes from a broken family and craves attention. It is natural for her to not have the modesty and intelligence to conduct herself. The characters in my film are not righteous; that's what forms the story. Would you feel guilty if you were attracted to an 18-year-old in real life? See, my circumstances and surroundings are different. I am not married and I don't live like Vijay. I am a free-spirited man. This question can only be answered if and when a situation like this arises. It will not only depend upon the circumstances, but also on my state of mind at that time. Do you think you copped out from pushing the envelope? Was it because of Mr Bachchan? I don't understand what this 'pushing the envelope' is all about. But obviously, you can't expect sex in a film that has Amitabh Bachchan!

Mumbai, March 6 (IANS)

We saw them together in that sizzling item song in Shaad Ali's "Bunty Aur Babli". Now Amitabh Bachchan, his son Abhishek Bachchan and daughter-in-law-to-be Aishwarya Rai are teaming up for the first time for a whole film, Ram Gopal Varma's sequel to "Sarkar".

"News travels fast! Yes, it's true Aishwarya has agreed to be a part of 'Sarkar' 2. We only need to work out her dates. She'll of course play the lead opposite Abhishek," Ramu confirmed to IANS.

Considering how much in the news the pair is, Ramu has got quite a winning combination on his hands.

Laughs the filmmaker: "I don't think that's the primary motivation for my casting Aishwarya. You see, I've been meaning to work with her for some time. Who doesn't want to work with Aishwarya Rai? But the vehicle has to be worthy of her presence.

"I did approach her on a few occasions earlier. Things didn't work out. I'm glad she's on finally."

"Sarkar 2" which will carry forward the story of the "Godfather"-like political clan will now have Abhishek playing the messianic saviour of the downtrodden.

The Bachchan senior has confirmed that he would have comparatively less to do in the sequel to "Sarkar". But knowing Ramu's passionate proclivity for the Big B's histrionics there's bound to be more of Amitabh than it would outwardly appear possible.

"I can't say right now how much scope the three main stars will have in 'Sarkar 2'. But Amitji, Abhishek and Aishwarya are going to be seen in a light not cast before," revealed Ramu.

IANS

http://mangalorean.com/news.php?newstype=local&newsid=40 053

I'm freed from commercial pressures: Amitabh
Subhash K. Jha [Monday, March 05, 2007]

Mumbai, March 6 (IANS) Amitabh Bachchan is experimenting with roles, teaming up with actresses from all age groups and says that he is willing to explore new genres because he is not bound by any commercial constraints.

"At this stage of my life I think it's my duty to do as many kinds of roles as possible. When one is younger, the lead role comes with commercial constraints. When that weight has gone from one's head, one feels freer. Yes, I'm freed from the pressures of commercialism," Amitabh told IANS in an interview.

" 'Nishabd' is a total departure from whatever I've done so far. Then there's 'Cheeni Kam', which is a quirky satire," he added.

From Hema Malini to Ayesha Kapoor and Sharmila Tagore to Jiah Khan, Amitabh is working with a variety of co-stars. But right now he is full of praise for "Cheeni Kam" co-star Tabu.

"What an artiste! The beauty of her performances is that whatever she feels is shown on her face. That's an unbelievable quality in an artiste. We generally try to come as close to what's required from us. Not Tabu. She goes the whole hog. She feels every bit of her emotions. It's a hallmark of a true artiste."

Excerpts from the interview:

Ram Gopal Varma's aesthetics in "Nishabd" aren't to be denied.

Right. If you've seen the film, you'd know this isn't the Varma of "Sarkar". It's hard to believe he has come with something so sensitive. So far, he has made gangster films like "Sarkar" and "Satya".

Did you have apprehensions about doing the film?

None at all! I agreed in five minutes to do the film. At this stage of my life I think it's my duty to do as many kinds of roles as possible. When one is younger, the lead role comes with commercial constraints. When that weight has gone from one's head, one feels freer. Yes, I'm freed from the pressures of commercialism.

After "Eklavya", "Nishabd" is a total departure from whatever I've done. Then there's "Cheeni Kam" which is a quirky satire. The audience has matured. Of course, there's a big audience for popcorn movies like "Dhoom 2". But there's a growing audience wanting to think and introspect during a film. That's how a "Nishabd" is born.

Did "Nishabd" allow you to be more adventurous than any other role?

The plot presented a difficult situation. I'm just happy with the way Varma presented it. Varma has always given me the freedom to express myself openly, to interpret his brief in any way I want. Sometimes the shot is over but he doesn't stop the camera. And you just have to carry on acting.

Jiah Khan is the youngest co-star you've worked with...

Not quite. Ayesha Kapoor in "Black" was my youngest co-star. Jiah is very good. She's a wonderful artiste and colleague.

It's amazing what a variety of co-stars you have these days.

Oh yes, I'm truly thankful. And such a variety of roles! I've Tabu as my co-star in "Cheeni Kam". What an artiste! Whatever the emotions within her are reflected on her face. The beauty of her performances is that whatever she feels is shown on her face. That's an unbelievable quality in an artiste.

We generally try to come as close to what's required from us. Not Tabu. She goes the whole hog. She feels every bit of her emotions. It's a hallmark of a true artiste. The rest of us aren't that sincere. We sometimes fake the emotions. I don't know what the methodology of her performance is. I just have to see her face to know she's getting it right.

There was a sense of disappointment regarding "Eklavya"?
I don't share that disappointment. I look at "Eklavya" as a very smart film. Vidhu Vinod Chopra's intelligence and intellectual wherewithal come across in the film. The fact that it's doing so well overseas proves there's a certain intellectual quotient being applied to "Eklavya" overseas. It isn't so evident over here.

But I want to compliment Chopra for being ahead of his times. I love the fact he has taken a Shakespearean concept and placed it in Rajasthan. I love the fact that he has taken mythology that's thousands of years old and challenged it.

Don't we many a times want to challenge these age-old beliefs? As a moviegoer you've to be slightly smarter while watching a film like "Eklavya". I'm not disappointed with "Eklavya". But if the money-paying audience is unhappy with it, we'll have to respect that

http://nowrunning.com/news/news.asp?it=9778

Jaya ignored her injury: Big B

By Subhash K Jha If there were any doubts about Jaya Bachchan's powers of resilience here's more proof of it. Last month she limped through an entire schedule of Goldie Behl's Drona with a severely broken ankle….without even being aware of the injury until much later. Says the Big B, "She had a fall in Bikaner, and she fractured her ankle and she ignored it. She kept shooting right through the injury. Much after the schedule when the pain got unbearable we got an X-ray done.That's when we detected a crack in the ankle. If we hadn't persuaded her to get it checked it out it wouldn't even have been detected". Sighs the Big B, "Because of her broken ankle we saw her limping at the Filmfare awards and even in parliament." While climbing down some stairs Jaya missed one step and landed from Step 1 to Step 3. Her ankle hurt. But she wasn't aware she had cracked it. Jaya remains as self-effacing as ever. "I don't like to talk about myself. Yes, the ankle is broken. But so what? Life goes on. I go on."

http://www.santabanta.com/cinema.asp?pid=13657

Why Bachchan didn't play Holi

by Subhash K Jha

Holi, generally a time of great revellery and camaraderie in the film industry, was a subdued affair this time. The main venue of Holi festivities was always the Bachchans. This year there was no Holi at their residence Jalsa. The precarious health condition of Mr Bachchan's mother made any kind of clebration seem unwarranted.

Says the enior AB, "We were just happy being home together. Abhishek's schedule was cancelled, so he got a sudden holiday. We made the best of it."

On the other end, Subhash Ghai, also known to host ritzy Holi events, this time decided to shoot a Holi song for his new film Black & White for the occasion.

Jokes his leading man Anil Kapoor, "I didn't mind appearing in public with all that colour because at least my face gets hidden and what better use of colour television?"

Barely 12 hours after Holi, Sanjay Gupta is still recovering from the revellery the previous day.

"We had a big Holi bash at my home. But only for the cast and crew of my productions. I've a Holi bash every year. But this time, since I was in my new bungalow there was more space, hence more invitees. We had ourselves a grand time. Bappi Lahiri's phenomenally talented son Bappa played for us."