Looking a picture of sartorial perfection in a white suit, Amitabh Bachchan had a candid and exclusive tête-à-tête with Zee News reporter Purnima Suryavanshi, as he clicked on to become the first netizen of the channel’s entertainment portal, www.spicezee.com. He was very appreciative of the glossy and colourful website, an offshoot of www.zeenews.com. Big B’s immaculate Hindi, effectively pronounced in his deep baritone resonated across the room as he readily answered the questions put to him by the reporter.
Excerpts from the exclusive interview:
Q. Sarkar Raj has done well not only in India but also abroad. Did you expect the movie to be a hit with the NRIs?
A. No, actually I did not expect it do good business abroad as it’s a different kind of cinema. Usually the films that do well abroad are the ones that have lots of song and dance numbers but ‘Sarkar Raj’ had no such elements, yet it was a hit. It’s nice to know that people are appreciating such kind of films. This movie is surely a hit as it has surpassed the collections of the previous film ‘Sarkar’ within weeks of its release.
Q. In your opinion what elements does Sarkar Raj have that’s making it click with the NRI audience?
A. Somewhere people’s taste in cinema is changing and they are appreciating experimental films. I believe that all kinds of films should be made in today’s age. It’s a great achievement as people are appreciating different kinds of movies and more such movies should be made.
Q. Sarkar Raj’s tag line says ‘Power can’t be given it has to be taken’, has the Bachchan family taken over the international audience?
A. I do not believe so. We are a family but we are also artists who happen to come together and play characters in one film.
Q. Sarkar Raj has been a comeback for director Ram Gopal Varma in many ways. What changes have you seen in Ramu after the movie?
A. I don’t believe that it’s a comeback. He is still the same person and that’s the way it should be. Ups and downs are a part of life. One should not let them affect oneself. What’s important in life is to strive to achieve the best and learn from your past mistakes.
Q. So will there be another sequel completing the Sarkar trilogy?
A. Well, I have asked Ramu not to make any more sequels but he will have the last call. If he wishes he will make another film and in case I am approached to play a part I shall think over it.
Q. Sarkar Raj ends with Subhash Nagre asking for his grandson Chikku, KK Menon’s son. Abhishek suggested Hrithik would suit the role in the sequel to the film. What is your take on this?
A. I have heard about it. Well, it’s a nice idea.
Q. What do you think of Ramu and Hrithik combo?
A. It should be wonderful and such a combo has not been seen onscreen before and I am eagerly waiting for them to team up, if a sequel happens.
Q. Was Sarkar Raj, a great learning experience?
A. A lot of things goes into making a movie. Ramu creates such circumstances and situations that make an artist look within him and which brings the best out of an artist. I greatly appreciate it. He encourages and appreciates artists and there were times when I felt challenged as an artist. I don’t know whether I lived up to the challenge and succeeded as an artist – I leave it on the audience to judge that.
Q. What kind of reactions have you got on your blog about Sarkar Raj?
A. Mostly people have liked the film but some have criticized and pointed out the loopholes. I answer all the reactions and welcome such criticism. Criticism is very important for one’s betterment and growth.
Q. Being the first family of Bollywood, your entire family is most of the time busy. Are the busiest people, the happiest?
A. We are a happy family but we like to work. Our work takes us to different places and that’s the only drawback is we are not able to spend time together. But we always take out time to be with each other.
Q. Your Unforgettable tour is round-the-corner. What is happening on that front?
A. It’s a month long entertainment tour between July-August. We will be performing in Europe, America, Canada and Trinidad. Rehearsals have started for the same and I hope the people will appreciate our work. Abhishek, Aishwarya, Ritesh and Preity will be there for all the performances. Akshay would join us in Canada, while Madhuri would perform with us in America. Shilpa will also be there for a performance. These stars would add to the popularity of the show.
Q. Are you dancing with Abhi-Ash in any of the performances?
A. It won’t be right to disclose it now.
Q. Please tell us something about your upcoming projects?
A. I am currently working with Sujoy Ghosh’s ‘Alladin’. It’s an old tale but presentation is modern. Sujit Sarkar’s tentatively titled film ‘Shoebite’, a B R Chopra film, Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s ‘Talisman’ are all in the pipeline.
Q. What’s holding Shantaram?
A. The Mira Nair film was in the pipeline and I was approached by the director for the film. Later, she sent a mail stating that the writer’s strike is delaying the project. I have no other information on it, so I believe that the project has been closed.
Q. Ramu feels that Abhishek is a better actor than you are. What’s your take on this?
A. Every father dreams that his son should do better than him. If Ramu feels that way, I too feel the same.
Soon after the interview, Big B had a look at www.spicezee.com. His thoughtful eyes scanned the website and he had the most wonderful words to say for the website.
Adapted by: Shivangi Singh & Tanu Talwar