Bachchan to make Bhojpuri film debut

Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan is all set to make his debut in Bhojpuri films with his makeup man Deepak Sawant's movie titled 'Ganga'.

'Seventy percent of the film is complete. Only those parts are left which had to be shot with Amitji. It got delayed due to his illness. We will probably start the shooting from March 20 or 21,' Sawant told IANS.

'First Amitji refused to work in the film. Then I gave him the script and after a few days when I asked him, 'Will you work in my film?' he said, 'Yes'. Amitji is a man of his word. Once he gives the commitment, he will fulfil it, come what may,' said Sawant.

In this triangular love story, Bachchan plays the role of a Thakur and Hema Malini plays his wife.

Asked why he chose Hema to play Bachchan's wife, Sawant said: 'In my first film, 'Akka', Amitji and (his wife) Jayaji played the main lead. I wanted to repeat them in this film too.

'But somebody suggested that the 'Baghbaan' pair is very famous, so why not Hemaji and I liked the idea. I asked Hemaji on the sets of 'Babul' and she agreed to do the film.'

Sawant and Bachchan's association is more than three decades old.

'I have been with Amitji for the last 34 years. We have been working together since 'Zanjeer' days, and I haven't seen a man like him,' said Sawant.

'Amitji and Hemaji haven't asked for any remuneration. It's their greatness. They don't talk about money but it is my duty to share the profit, if I earn any from this film, with them. If they will not take the money, I will buy some gift for them.'

Directed by Abhishek Chhadha, the film has Nagma in the title role and Ravi Kishen and Ajay Sharma will also be seen in important roles.

Bachchan is a trendsetter. After adding glamour and glitz to television by endorsing various products and hosting STAR Plus' popular game show 'Kaun Banega Crorepati', he is expected to give a new lease of life to the Bhojpuri film industry as well.

The film is expected to hit the screens in April or May.