Amitabh Bachchan is cherished as much by his colleagues as by the masses. Every wannashine wants to be the next Amitabh Bachchan. Consciously or subconsciously, they are inspired by his mannerisms. He gave some 12 flops before striking it rich. The story of his struggle has given hope to many an actor down on his luck. They’re in awe of his humility, his professionalism, his punctuality, as also his baritone. His colleagues yearn to work with him because that turns into a unique memory. They aspire to radiate the same level of cool as he does even at 70 plus. Here, they share some heart talk about the man they privately wish to be...
Shah Rukh Khan
I remember doing a scene with him in Mohabbatein where he says, “Tum kya samajhtey ho Raj Aryan! Yahaan pe aakar tum pyaar...” I thought it was not how ‘Amitabh Bachchan’ should be doing it. I was looking at him as a fanboy... not as a co-actor. Because I was so excited to work with him and without realising my place, I went up to him and suggested if we could do it another way. He heard me out and tried it my way. Ultimately, of course, he did it his way and it was the best way. But he gave me an ear, he didn’t dismiss me. That’s what a good actor is. He’ll take in your thoughts and not just put across his.
Shilpa Shetty
My relationship with Amitji goes back to the Lal Badshah days. I did the film because I was getting an opportunity to work with Amitji. Our relationship just grew. Besides being an icon he’s so humble. He never forgets my birthday. He’ll either call or text me a message and send me flowers. It’s been a tradition since we worked together. When we were on a world tour, we celebrated my birthday for two whole days. And each time during breakfast, lunch and dinner, Amitji would sing, ‘Happy birthday to Shilpaji’. When he wishes me my year goes well. We seem to have a soul connection, as though we were connected in the past life.
Sonu Sood
During my struggling days, my mother once said, “Beta, don’t worry. One day you’ll work with Amitabh Bachchan.” Her words rang true. Mr Bachchan produced Bbuddah Hoga Terra Baap and roped me in. He was amused to find someone taller than him in the industry. He also remarked that we looked like father and son. That was a great moment.
Farah Khan
Before the shoot of Shawa shawa (Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham), my team and I were petrified of choreographing Mr Bachchan. We thought it’d be a task to make a veteran of his stature dance. But he not only surprised us but also tired us out. He just wouldn’t stop rehearsing. Even after I told him that he was doing great he insisted, “No no, I must practice!”
Mahesh Bhatt
I was in Moscow in 1984 during Saraansh. Amitabh Bachchan was there too as part of a high-powered delegation from the Rajiv Gandhi government. We were staying at the same hotel and happened to travel in the same car. Just as we pulled the car to the side to drop off someone, a Russian girl walking on the street caught a glimpse of Amitabh in the car and cried out, ‘Amitabh Bachchan’ and fainted. We looked at each other stunned. The way people responded to him was bizarre. It proved the kind of impact he has and the admiration he enjoys not just in India but even in other countries.
Emraan Hashmi
When I was around seven-eight years old, I refused to eat food without watching Sholay. My parents would play the film for me so that I would eat.
Vidya Balan
As a kid I was his fan. When he was hospitalised due to the accident on the set of Coolie, I used to beg my mother to take me to the hospital to see him. Of course, that didn’t happen. So, when I was to work with Amitji in Paa, I was naturally ecstatic. Once we had to shoot a scene, which had Amitji and me in one frame. He finished his take. I feared he would soon leave. But Balki (director) assured me that he would stay on. He was there till I completed my shot. Amitji thinks about his co-stars and not only about himself. I wanted him to be present because I believe that your co-actor’s energy affects your performance. You emote better. That’s how Amitji helped me in my performance.
Bappi Lahri
I have composed music for Amitji’s films like Giraftaar, Sharaabi, Namak Halaal and Aaj Ka Arjun. When he was to sing a duet, Jahan chaar yaar, with Kishore Kumar for Sharaabi, he was as excited as a child. He came to the studio at 9:30 am and started rehearsing with my assistants. He confessed he didn’t want to go wrong in front of Kishore Kumar. His dedication is inspiring.
Anu Malik
Once Manmohan Desai asked me to come to Chandivali Studio. I went there with my harmonium thinking it would be a normal sitting. Little did I know that I’d be meeting the greatest superstar. There Manji asked me to play some new tunes. I belted out a few but there wasn’t a flicker of interest on Amitji’s face. He sat with a dead pan expression. Then, Manji asked me to wait outside. I was in turmoil as I couldn’t read Amitji’s mood at all. Later, Manji came out and asked, “Tune nayi shirt to nahi pehni hai (hope you aren’t wearing a new shirt)?” and added, “Tu shirt phadega to nahin na excitement mein (hope you won’t tear off your shirt in excitement)! Because you’ve just bagged Mard.” I was over the moon and for once, at a loss for words. And no, I didn’t tear my shirt…
Hansal Mehta
ABCL was about to be launched. I was to make an audio visual for it. It was a gruelling experience with reams and reams of footage of Amitji’s overseas shows and films being pieced together. I spent days with him where he would often joke that he was ‘jobless’. Once he asked me to bring the rough cut to his office as he was worried about a crowd gathering around my studio. But I insisted that he come to the studio. I underestimated the crowd in my sleepy neighbourhood because he was in his ‘retirement’ phase. But by the time he was about to leave, a sea of humanity had gathered outside. Terraces, buildings, the entire road was filled with people. He was of course patient as he greeted them and speeded off in his vehicle.
The next time he came late at night around 3 am. At 4 am, as he was leaving the studio, an attendant pointed to a young boy in banian and shorts waiting outside. He was a chaiwallah who had waited for two days to get a glimpse of his idol. Amitji chatted with him and posed for a picture with his arm around the boy’s shoulder. He surely values the people who have made him a superstar.
Shankar Mahadevan
We were doing the new opening song for KBC. Amitji was to be a part of the video, render some dialogue and sing a few lines. We were rehearsing a day before the shoot. There was no audience but he gestured to the imaginary audience with such conviction that it created the illusion he was actually greeting them. One felt the warmth oozing from him. Then, he came to our studio for the song recording. He was perfect in the first take but rehearsed some 20 times and gave some seven takes before giving his nod. He left us speechless with his dedication. No wonder he’s where he’s today.
Asin
He surprised me by attending my birthday celebrations last year. He was one of the first to come and stayed on to party with all of us. He gave me a huge bouquet of flowers and a lovely card. I was overwhelmed.
Manoj Bajpayee
I first met Amitabh Bachchan at the screening of Ram Gopal Varma’s Satya. My colleagues insisted that I meet him. But I couldn’t muster the guts. As he was making his exit, I rushed to the washroom to hide myself. Abhishek Bachchan saw me and told his dad about it. When I came out of the washroom, I was surprised to find Amitji and Abhishek waiting for me. Amitji began raving about my performance. I couldn’t pay attention to what he was saying because I was in another world. I collected myself and asked him if I could hug him. When he hugged me I was assured that it wasn’t a dream but a beautiful reality.
Venkatesh
Mr Bachchan is not only a wonderful human being but also a spiritual individual. That’s why he is able to touch so many people’s lives. He has the special quality of drawing people towards him – whether to be inspired by him, learn from him or just admire him.
Nagarjuna
It was a dream come true when I got to work with him in Khuda Gawah. It was a great learning experience and great fun too. Even now, I welcome any opportunity to
work with him. Mr Bachchan is a rare human being and a living legend. He is the face of Indian cinema.
Chiranjeevi
I’m a fan of Amitji’s inimitable voice, his fighting style and his trademark comic acts, especially his ‘drunken’ scenes. I also admire his capacity to fight adversity. Only he could have endured all the difficulties in his career and health. When I was conferred the Padma Bhushan, the Telugu film industry felicitated me. Amitji was the chief guest there. He hugged me and called me ‘the king of Telugu cinema’. But he’s the one and only king of Indian cinema.
Dia Mirza
We were shooting for Shoojit Sircar’s film Shoebite. I was nervous. I had to walk into the shot and sit next to him facing the camera. When Shoojit called action, Amitji called out my character’s name with such emotion that he just drew me into the moment. After that I just followed him. The director loved the long single shot! Amitji turned to me and said ‘you did good’. But I said in my head, ‘No, you did good!’ That’s Amitji’s power. Actors tend to be distracted or shifty-eyed but not him.
Mahesh Babu
One of my favourite movies is Black. I met Mr Bachchan recently and was humbled by the way he spoke to me. I appreciate the way he handles the pressures, be it from fans or producers. As actors we have a responsibility to make our fans happier with each film. I learnt that from Amitabh Bachchan.
Neil Nitin Mukesh
Amitji is close to my family and I have met him on several occasions. But it was meeting him post the release of Johnny Gaddaar that remains a special memory. He recollected many nuances from my performance. He said I was gutsy to have chosen Johnny Gaddaar as my debut. Those words gave me confidence and will always remain with me in my highs and my lows.
Ali Zafar
It’s said that you should not meet the person you idolise because it’s impossible for them to live up to their larger-than-life image. But when I met Amitji , I realised he was far bigger in person than on screen given his grace and humility. Unke hathon mein thandak, alfaaz mein khushboo aur hone mein ek justujoo hai. Aise log sadiyon mein paida hote hain.
Huma Qureshi
I was home when my Twitter notification beeped. It read ‘Amitabh Bachchan is following you…’ In an instant I had turned into a super excited schoolgirl. For me, he’s the epitome of a superstar and a gentleman all rolled into one.