| Amitabh Bachchan |
AB alvida na kehna
Amitabh Bachchan talks about taxes, IIFA and KANK
Subhash K Jha
You left for the IIFA in the midst of tax controversies. Did it weigh on your mind?
There is no controversy, no weight on my mind, no unnecessary badgering and no annoyance from any quarter. There are two things that are a constant in life – death and income taxes. The department has a job to do and they do it efficiently. Rest assured, if you do wrong you will not be spared, irrespective of who you are. And if you do right, no one will be able to touch you, irrespective of who you are.
Your fans took to the streets protesting against your tax badgering…
I am not and shall never be a part of any of the so called demonstrations and reactions that one witnessed during this issue. Fans have peculiar ways of expressing their affection. They can build temples in your name and take to the streets as well. We have no control over them. Not being allowed to go and see a particular film repeatedly, provokes a fan, quite unnecessarily, to commit suicide. There are all kinds of people.
I believe I am an honest law-abiding citizen of this country. Last year I was declared as the highest individual tax payer in the country by the department. I pay my taxes and respond to all queries on time and if, as per law, I have the liberty to question a demand made by them, I question them on time. I visit the department when needed, because the notice by them desires personal presence. And the department is not so stupid to get influenced by my presence. The law of the land has no place for exceptions.
How would you compare the sixth year at IIFA with the other years?
It has been a wonderful experience from the inception. The cause is good and healthy for Indian cinema, for the host country and for the millions of viewers across the globe. Each year there is an effort to grow bigger and better and that is what has been happening since 2000, the year it all started. This time there were more people, more awareness, better quality and an overall excitement in the celebration of cinema, which is the largest in the world.
Many believe that the annual IFFA event is an excuse for stars to have a good time and that no one is interested in films and awards…
It isn't and even if it is, so what? Yes, they do have a good time. Are stars not human beings? Are they not entitled to having a good time. And for your information, IIFA is not just about awards. It's about an effort to give Indian cinema the respectability and dignity it deserves. For too long Indian cinema has been ridiculed, treated with frivolous cynicism and ignored. The whole world is stunned by the potential and the power of an emerging and powerful India. Cinema in India has become a parallel culture and is a vital part of this huge power. We were too reticent and shy of our creativity in the past. Not anymore!
It was a clean sweep for Black and you got your umpteenth award.
It was unique because I happened to be present there. I missed most of the award ceremonies this year due to my illness. Winning it in the presence of my grandchildren was the best experience.
Finally, what's the immediate work you've returned to?
I am working on Cheeni Kum and Baabul and a little later KANK.
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