Playing the debonair dad with panache

From being down and out, he’s back like the proverbial phoenix. Busier than ever before, the Big B was at his wittiest best as he spoke to Vickey Lalwani at the music launch of Aetbaar.

IT is not easy to explain the Amitabh Bachchan phenomenon even to Indian teenagers- who missed out on the superstar's golden days in the 70s and 80s--let alone to those unfamiliar with the world of Indian films or Bollywood. Suffice it to say that an entire generation grew up idolising Bachchan, trying to copy his hairstyle, his walk, his clothes and even the rich baritone voice. Even today, Amitabh is the biggest draw at the box-office in India.

Excerpts of an interview:

Years ago, we floated a corporate entity, ABCL, since I firmly believe that the industry ought to be streamlined if it needs to progress. It gives me immense happiness to see corporate houses like Tata making inroads into the film industry. It proves that the entertainment business is growing. On the work front, Tata Infomedia has been a hardcore professional that knows its job. Everything from the smallest pin to the heaviest machinery involved with filmmaking was available easily without any delay. Above all, it's good they took up Aetbaar for, as you know, the movie had got stalled for financial reasons.

Working in Aetbaar was an enjoyable experience. Though this was the first time that I was working with Vikram Bhatt (director), John Abraham and Bipasha Basu, it was like one big family coming together to make a film. The film has an interesting storyline and equally captivating performances. The music of the film is melodious, barring one song.

The one which I was made to sing. I tried telling Vikram that I didn't want to sing, but he did not listen. A similar thing happened with me and Ravi Chopra in Baghban. There is a myth that I am a good singer. Believe me, singing is a nightmare for me.

No. I haven't.

How to look young and smart all the time (smiles). I realised it's high time I start believing that age is in the mind and not in the body. I am really fortunate that I am getting to work in projects where there are a lot of youngsters around me. The same thing happened in Baghban. It's wonderful to know how these youngsters approach life. It's far more different from how we used to do so, when we were young. There are a lot of capable and hardworking youngsters around. Mark my words, India is poised for a very bright future.

(Laughs) I enjoyed the adulation that came with that award, but I don't think I deserved it in the first place. If you recall the moment when I received that award, I said, "I really don't know what the heck I'm doing here."

Aren't you doing similar type of roles, like all fatherly types- Armaan, Baghban, Aetbaar?

Yeah. But what else do you expect me to get at this age? Surely, no producer is going to offer me roles of dancing around trees (smiles). I don't get to romance the heroine anymore.

Hmmm... it does. It limits my longevity in tinselville. I wish filmmakers would come up with fresh ideas and concepts for the senior citizens of our country.

(Interrupts) How can I jump when I haven't got any such offer as yet? If something worthwhile comes my way, I would consider taking it up.

I don't know. I might. I might not (shrugs).

Polio is a problem that hasn't been eradicated from India, especially Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. I have been a part of the government's polio-eradication campaign since quite some time, and so has UNICEF. I did an anti-polio ad which was quite effective. If my name and face can help our country eradicate an enemy of mankind, why not?

Dabur Chyawanprash! (laughs). TWF

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