*.:.*Bachchans Fan Club #13*.:.* - Page 71

Amitabh Bachchan at the EXPRESS
'We as a family have seen virtual bankruptcy. We are scared, so we want to work till we can'
SHEKHAR GUPTA: We believe in the scientific truth and we as a paper, at the Express group, never reported the manglik business (before Abhishek Bachchan's marriage to Ashwarya Rai).

AMITABH BACHCHAN: If you as a paper never believed in reporting it, was any attempt made by the paper to express what you just said?

SHEKHAR GUPTA: We did publish a commentary on the reportage. We have a column on TV programmes and did a story on a certain TV show that disbanded its popular sex-counselling show to show the Abhishek-Ash wedding and the temple trips. So we do take a stand on issues, yes. But would you then agree with Tony Blair when he called the British media a "feral beast" and that applies to the Indian media as well? Have you heard about it?

I heard about it and I thought this guy had had it. No, I don't agree with him.

AMBREEN KHAN: With everything that you said, are you saying that you're not superstitious at all?

I may be superstitious. But if I practise it at home, I don't think it should bother anybody at all. But if you insinuate that going to a temple is superstition, then you'll have to stop the entire country from going to temples.

VANDITA MISHRA: At a time when your considerable talent would have made a difference to the small cinema movement, you were in very few of these films. At the time, it would have mattered if you lent yourself to them. You didn't. Today, you are experimenting and doing all sorts of roles. But then everybody is experimenting.

I didn't pay attention to what you call "small cinema" as much as I should have. We tend to associate ourselves to projects we feel are going to be good at the box office. We suffer from a tremendous fear of failure. Every Friday is an examination for us. How will we fare? In case we do work for an "Art" film, will the Manmohan Desai cast me again? Will Salim-Javed write another script keeping me in mind? Will Prakash Mehra take me?

Today, because I am no longer the leading man, the onus of the success or failure of the film doesn't rest on my shoulders. People now come to see a Shah Rukh Khan, Hrithik Roshan or a Salman Khan. I can have the liberty of experimenting now.

NAMRATA SHARMA ZAKARIA: I grew up watching Manmohan Desai's Amitabh Bachchan. Now you're doing irreverent films like Black and Cheeni Kum. Which phase did you enjoy more, which is closer to your heart?

I'd like to believe everything I've done is close to my heart. Not just different subjects. I've had the fortune of working with three to four generations of colleagues and directors — from Hrishikesh Mukherjee, Salim-Javed, Manmohan Desai, Prakash Mehra, Yash Chopra, Mukul Anand, Tinnu Anand, Aditya Chopra and Karan Johar. To be honest, each generation will have different views.You admire Shah Rukh Khan and I admired Dilip Kumar and Waheeda Rehman. No one knows who will be the idols in the next 10 or 12 years. And the audience of tomorrow would look at us in a lesser degree as opposed to the current generation. I once reprimanded Abhishek because he questioned Dilip saab's performance and then when he questioned Waheedaji's performance. They are very dear to me as performers. But definitely doing Agneepath, Khuda Gawah and working with Karan Johar, Aditya Chopra and Sanjay Leela Bhansali were great phases.

HARNEET SINGH: Who is your biggest critic and whose praise matters the most to you?

My wife.

ROSHMILLA BHATTACHARYA: Everyone is talking about how Indian cinema has made a place for itself. But how would you react to the fact that our films have never made it to the competitive section abroad?

You'd have to ask Aamir Khan about that. But I think they have a vigorous procedure for selection and have very fine guidelines about what they call entertainment. I agree that a lot of our films that are very radical need to be showcased. I was at the premiere of Cheeni Kum at Cannes this year and I saw how elaborate the system was there. There is a glut of small-budget and blockbuster films, but many good films go unnoticed.

SOURAV MAJUMDAR: Your company, ABCL, in the late 90s set the trend of corporate management in the film world. But it did not do well. Are you out of the red now?

ABCL is out of the red now. At the last AGM, I was able to declare a dividend for the first time in eight years. I regret we haven't been able to compete with others, who came after us and went far ahead. I believe we had a brilliant vision, which was probably a little ahead of its time. We were all creative people. None of us were "managers". The freedom we gave and the talent we hired ended in the Miss World competition. That was a big disaster. We were left with only one individual — the finance officer, who is still with us. And we haven't dared to expand beyond that. We still continue to make profits. Whatever I earn through endorsements, television, concerts and audio goes to my company to pay off everybody. But closing it was never an option. I felt something that bears my father's name should never be declared bankrupt.

SHANTANU DATTA: I want to ask you about two of your films: Shatranj Ke Khiladi with Satyajit Ray for which you did the voice-over and Agneepath where you experimented by changing your voice and won a National Award.

The entire world wanted to work with Satyajit Ray. When he came with the concept of doing a voice-over, I accepted it happily. Unfortunately, he had left his assistant director in charge of the Hindi dialogue. But I'm so happy that I can somehow say I've worked with Ray.

Agneepath was delightful. I'm happy to say that I had somewhat initiated the craft that today's generation of moviemakers are taking onto. Mukul Anand and others are responsible for what today's generation is doing. They came from the ad world. They have a magical eye. The way they constructed their frames, the way they shot their films. Prakash Mehra was a great storyteller. And as long as his story was enacted in front of the camera, he was framing his next shot. And with every new shot he would change the lens. That time there was no fuss about camera work or changing lenses. But look at the generation today. It's amazing how they structure their films. When I met Adi Chopra for his film, the first thing he said was: "Uncle, the publicity of the film will be done like this". I said, "Yeah fine, but, what is the story?"

From K Asif, Bimal Roy to Guru Dutt, their frames were so brilliantly shot. I remember we weren't allowed in the editing room of Hrishida. We would beg him to have a look at the screen and he wouldn't.

SHEKHAR GUPTA: Even Bal Thackeray saw Sarkar and commented: "Whatever said and done, he (Amitabh) imitated me so well. He lifted his arm up just the way I would."

How else is an arm lifted but like that (gesturing). Ram Gopal Verma showed him the film.

DEEPA KARMALKAR: I'd like to know about your reactions to Sivaji?

I've seen it. I thought every frame reminded me of Manmohan Desai's cinema. And Rajnikant's capacity as an actor to make the ordinary look so extraordinary is admirable.

VANDITA MISHRA: I want to ask you about your drunken scenes. How did you prepare for them, since it is believed you're a teetotaller?

I used to drink but I gave it up 40 years ago.

CHANDRASHEKHAR BOBDE: Have you ever thought of putting your talent to a serious social issue?

I should accept that I haven't done so in the past. But I'm not really a social worker. I am an artist and I want to be an artist. I fear that if I take a stance, it could take a political colour.

SHWETA DESAI: Do you regret films like Lal Badshah and Suryavansham?

I never regret anything. I know that some things work in life and some don't. I used to ask my father during his last years, whether he suffers from doubt. I told him, "Bahut sangharsh hai". And he said, "Jab tak jeevan hai, tab tak sangharsh hai."

SHWETA DESAI: Any roles you would've loved to do or people you would've like to work with?

I would've loved to work with Dilipsaab. Then films of Guru Dutt like Kagaz Ke Phool.

FARAH BARIA: Why do you think you are a cult figure?

It's the medium. It's larger than life. You see your idol. He seems 40 feet tall, woos beautiful women and lives up to all things correct in the society. It's mass hysteria. I didn't know I'd ever be an actor. We grew up watching Ramleela. I'm still stuck in that era.

BHAWANA SOMAAYA: There is so much pressure on Rajnikant as a star to perform and keep his huge number of fans happy. Do you ever feel that?

That is a constant fear with all actors. What am I going to do when after the biggest hit has been given? We all reach a point on the top and then the pressure to write something bigger than Salim-Javed's or Prakash Mehra's last frame comes. It is the same with Rajnikant.

O P THOMAS: You boycotted the press at one point.

There were several misconceptions during the Emergency. I was known to the Gandhis and there was a feeling that I was responsible for the ban on the newspapers. I had nothing to do with it. There was a huge outcry and the press boycotted me. My name was removed from the credit titles of films. It was a bad time. But then everything cooled down and went back to the way they were initially.

SHEKHAR GUPTA: Will there ever be Memoirs of Amitabh Bachchan?

Well, I can't write. I am completely incapable of that. So, I'll keep on acting till I can. We, as a family, have seen great depression and virtual bankruptcy in our time. We are scared as we fear: will those times be upon us once again? So we want to go on working till we can.

"I'm sad Rani didn't get National Award for 'Black': Amitabh"
Amitabh Bachchan is happy he is being honoured with the National Award for his performance in "Black", but "sad" because Rani Mukerji didn't get the best actress trophy for her role in the movie.

"She played the main protagonist and all the other performances were guided by her in the film. Our recognition came because of her and her incredible performance, Amitabh told IANS in an interview.

Reacting to reports of a jury member claiming that that they were being
pressurised to give him the award, Amitabh says such talk neither embarrasses nor discomforts him.

"They are the jury and they must have their reasons for their claims and decisions. I think what became awkward was the deliberations of the jury became public because of the court procedure."

Asked about the proposed family world concert, he said: "Things are still being finalised. But it looks like Akshay Kumar, Bipasha Basu, Lara Dutta, Riteish Deshmukh and Shiamak Davar will join us."

Excerpts:

Q: There's a much talked-about proposed family concert next year. Who will be accompanying you, Abhishek and Aishwarya from the industry?

A: Things are still being finalised. But it looks like Akshay Kumar, Bipasha (Basu), Lara (Dutta), Riteish (Deshmukh) and Shiamak Davar will join us.

Q: Finally the National Award for "Black" after a year's delay. Delayed
triumph tastes sweeter?

A: The delay was due to certain legal unforeseen circumstances. But eventually the National Award committee came through and the awards have been announced. I'm deeply grateful to the government and the jury for considering me, but more importantly for having considered the film "Black" and for having given it a separate recognition as well.

I cannot say about delayed triumph being sweeter. Any triumph is sweet and humbling and honourable. I am grateful and happy.

Q: You sound really pleased.

A: I'm happy for the film, Sanjay and sad that Rani didn't get an award. She played the main protagonist and all the other performances were guided by her in the film. Our recognition came because of her and her incredible performance.

When she called to express her joy about my National Award, her temperament was just the same as when we saw the first copy of the film together. But we must respect the decision of the jury and acknowledge the person that did get the best actress award, namely, Sarika.

Q: Did the controversies surrounding the award, including a jury member
claiming they were being pressurised to give you the award, cause you embarrassment or discomfort?

A: No it did not. They are the jury and they must have their reasons for their claims and decisions. I think what became awkward was the deliberations of the jury became public because of the court procedure. The body of distinguished people chosen by state authorities to represent a committee are able and accomplished individuals. They know their job. We are no one to question them.

Q: Most of us feel "Black" is your finest ever. Where would you rate it at this point of time when you've been doing such varied work?

A: 'Black' rates very highly in my repertoire. I cannot say if it is the finest. I hope the finest is yet to come. As an artiste I would cherish that. It's always a challenge perhaps to better what has been done before.

Q: "Black" has arguably been your most lauded film to date. Do you feel it has gone as far as it deserves? Isn't it strange it has been given a
National Award for best Hindi film when much of the dialogue is in English?

A: I am not conversant with the selection procedure of the National Awards so I shall not be able to comment on this. They must have their reasons for doing so.

Q: What changes do you notice in Abhishek after marriage?

A: Nothing much really! Except the usage of the phrase "Meet my wife" by him, on social occasions!

Q: How's "Sarkar 2" shaping up - as intense as the first time?

A: I think it is shaping well and yes it is as intense as the first one.

Q: "Sholay" has undergone a complete change... new title and a new name for your character. Would you say it's still "Sholay" in spirit?

A: It's Ram Gopal Varma's take on the film. In that respect I believe there is a deep inspiration.

Bollywood's Bachchans tip Toronto for world tour debut

Indian acting superstars Aishwarya and Abhishek Bachchan dropped into Toronto Friday to announce the city as a likely first stop for the upcoming Unforgettable Tour, celebrating the world of Bollywood cinema.

The hot newlywed couple were greeted by a mob of fans outside downtown Toronto's Royal York Hotel, where they made the announcement.
"If all goes well, and God willing, we will premiere the Unforgettable Tour in the city of Toronto because we feel that it is the best city to premiere the tour in," Abhishek Bachchan said during a flashy press conference Friday that also included Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty.

Bachchan, son of Bollywood veteran Amitabh Bachchan, praised Toronto as home to a large fanbase for Indian cinema.

It was also where the couple, who were married in April, premiered their film Guru in January — the first Bollywood movie to debut outside of India.

The globe-trotting tour will feature concerts showcasing the lavish song-and-dance performance numbers from popular Bollywood films, with the three Bachchans as well as other South Asian film stars set to take the stage.
Lara Dutta, Bipasha Basu and Ritesh Deshmukh were among those also on the lineup when the musical extravaganza was first announced in June, during the festivities around the International Indian Film Academy Awards in Sheffield, England.

Set to begin next summer, the Unforgettable Tour is scheduled to stop in 18 countries around the world, including Vancouver, New York, Los Angeles, London, Cairo, Sydney, Singapore and Hong Kong.

Organizers have also expressed a desire to create a TV special revealing life behind the scenes on the road with the performers as they proceed through the tour.

Amitabh to go bald for Mira Nair's film

Bollywood star Amitabh Bachchan is about to lose his hair. He will go bald for Mira Nair's new film Shantaram.

"Amitabh Bachchan has accepted my film," said Mira Nair, Director.

The New York based filmmaker is in Mumbai to discuss Bachchan's character Kader Bhai, the underworld gangster. He will also finalise locations for the Warner Brothers $90 production of the movie.

"It's going to be big," said Mira Nair, Director.

Johnny Depp plays the escaped Australian convict and drug dealer Shantaram, based on the bestselling novel by Gregory David Roberts.

The film is partly to be shot at ND studios in Karjat outside Mumbai and also in locations in India, China and Australia.

Big B and 'Hitler Ghosh'

The otherwise reserved Amitabh Bachchan had a metamorphosis of sorts on the sets of Rituparno Ghosh's The Last Lear. Bachchan, who plays a theatre artiste and swears by Shakespeare (in the film), often provided comic relief to the cast and crew while filming in Kolkata and Mussoorie.

His first target was family friend and director Rituparno Ghosh. After taking endless digs at him for his I-want-perfect-shots streak and his then-shaven head, Bachchan rechristened him 'Hitler Ghosh'.

The story goes that Bachchan almost threatened to wage a war against Ghosh for his disciplinarian ways. He even jokingly mentioned spearheading a movement and establishing a union that will address grievances of actors and technicians.

Says producer Arindam Chaudhuri, "Mr Bachchan was in a great mood throughout. I have never seen him having so much fun. He would take digs at Rituparno but all in good humour. He had threatened to set up a union to monitor Rituparno's dictatorship on the sets."

Preity Zinta was also at the receiving end. Her part demanded her to drape herself in cotton saris and Big B would always advise her to mind her step.

He asked crew members to be alongside Zinta fearing that she might trip and fall. "Preity was extremely comfortable in saris but Mr Bachchan told everyone that she is yet to get accustomed to it."

After giving his shot, Bachchan used to grab the microphone and call out for Rituparno and Preity who would be close by.

Adds Chaudhuri, "Can you imagine Mr Bachchan screaming in that heavy baritone voice? He would do it just to shock everyone."

Originally posted by: fan_of_Big_B

from The Last Lear....

WOW!!>...he looks soo different