| Amitabh Bachchan with |
It wasn't at all long. We finished our entire work in just twenty days. I've worked in schedules that are shorter. But yes, not when I'm the pivotal character.
The film was wrapped up pretty fast?
The director has to be very clear in his mind about what he wants and how to do it. Ramu had the entire cast and crew tuned in to the project. All of us were taken to Munnar to work under very quiet working conditions. We were the only people around, no visitors.
Your view on a closed set?
There was not a single person around from outside the crew. That certainly enhanced the work atmosphere. It's not as if one can't work under pressure. But I wish we could work more often in the circumstances
created in Munnar. It makes life a lot easier.
We were doing at an average, 5-6 scenes a day. All the credit goes to Ram Gopal Varma for thinking of this place and for his clarity of vision, which saved us a lot of time. He knew exactly what he wanted… in his mind and on paper.
The character of an older guy with an 18-year- old is unique.
I think it's quite marvellously conceived. I know there have speculations about the film's content. Those aware of the book and the film are expecting another Lolita. They think Ram Gopal Varma is exploiting the same values that are there in the original material. The source of Nishabd has been Lolita. But what he has done with it, you'll have to wait and see.
Did you approach your role with some trepidation?
I've faith in Ramu.
Still there were some kind of apprehensions about Nishabd
Well, yes. Knowing the kind of social taboos and norms we live with, thinking of Lolita did seem alarming. I was a little disbelieving when Ramu suggested it to me. When I read the script and saw his treatment of the script I knew there was nothing to fear.
How was your co-star Jiah?
She's very good! You can't believe this is her first time. She was very relaxed and natural.
She must've learnt a lot from you.
They don't learn from me. I learn from them.
And now you're starting Sholay with Ramu?
Yes. I need to sit with Ramu. He has told me what he has in mind. We need to discuss the nitty-gritty.
Playing Gabbar might be tricky?
I'd do it exactly the way Ramu tells me to. As a creative professional I must not have qualms about doing a role that's been done before. If we've decided to make Sholay, we should go about it in a professional manner.
Your next release?
Well an old commitment, Zamaanat for a dear friend producer S Ramanathan, is being released. Then I've Karan Johar's Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna coming up. My character is a very frank and upfront person.
Any thoughts on Aamir and the NBA issue?
We're living in a free society. Every individual has the right to express himself. And every individual has a right to oppose something if he doesn't approve.
And if there's a problem with what Aamir is supporting, then let the law take its course. I'm being asked why the film industry isn't supporting him. Who says we are not? Do we have to hold a jhanda and come on television to show that?
You were away when Pramod Mahajan passed away?
He was friendly to both Jaya and me. A brilliant speaker and a very powerful politician. What happened was extremely sad. How traumatic for the family. He came to visit me when I was in the hospital recently.
We were on the same parliamentary committee. He used to oppose everything I used to say. He used to tell me that his daughter would tell him, 'You can oppose and criticise anything and anybody. But don't say anything about Amitabh Bachchan.' He was a warm giving human being. It's hard to believe he's gone.
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