Return of the titan

Amitabh Bachchan is kicking and fine. After his illness, he is back not only as an actor but in other roles as well. The Big B in an interview with Vickey Lalwani talks about his next film Zamaanat and more

I am very kicked about this role. I have been around for more than 30 years but never played a lawyer. In Zamaanat, I play a retired blind advocate who returns to the courtroom to save Arshad Warsi, and ultimately emerges triumphant.

Not a problem. The plot is spread over a period of time. So my changing looks in the film go well with its narrative.

You know the director of Zamaanat very well?
Yes. My association with director S. Ramanathan goes a long way. We had worked together in Bombay to Goa. Ramnathanji has been with me for all these years and I hope he meets with lot of success in his life.

Bombay to Goa was a remake of a South Indian film called Madras to Pondicherry?

So what? Hollywood has been doing it for quite a while now. Even in India, Devdas has been made thrice and there are good remakes of Sahib Biwi Aur Gulam, Sholay and Amar Akbar Anthony in the pipeline. All these (remakes) will be keenly awaited. It is interesting to see how the original film has been interpreted by a different filmmaker.

I will not deny the fact that talks are definitely on but nothing is finalised now. I have nearly 24 balance episodes. I can talk about it only when things are confirmed. Nothing is certain, though.

Some of my commitments did get delayed but by and large things have been fine. Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna was anyway slated for an August release. Babul was affected a little due to my absence as I had committed the entire December to it.

Then there were some problems about the combination dates for Babul?
Yes. We are working that out now. These things are manageable. We’ll sit and ensure that nobody suffers. I am putting my best foot forward.

I am not over-working. People saw me all over and thought that I’ve been overworking. Frankly speaking, I am leading an organised life. I fell ill, after which I took a long deserved holiday. Now I am back on my feet. I just cannot sit idle without doing what I have been doing past 30-35 years.

How were relations with Karisma Kapoor and other co artistes, since Zamaanat took six years to complete?

My co artiste Karisma is a commendable actor. It was a pleasure working with her. So is Arshad Warsi, who has matured as a great performer. I am a thorough professional when I am on the sets.

Well things are not planned yet but I am all set to attend the functions. I’ve been closely associated with IFFA awards as it gives Bollywood a global recognition. This time IFFA will be held in Dubai, which is close to my heart too. I’m in no position to state whether I will perform there or not.

I am not doing too many films with him. We have just completed Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna and will be doing a film with Rakyesh Mehra. As a father, I’m glad he is doing well for himself. —TWF

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