June 14, 2011 12:21:41 PM
Big B was surprised when Jaya Bachchan warned him against working with Prakash Jha but he says he managed to sail through successfully. While the actor talks about films based on hard-hitting subjects, the director says he is responsible towards his fans. By DIVYA KAUSHIK
A director of his calibre and an actor of his standing can surely act pricey when together and straightaway refuse to answer any question they don't want to comment on. But Prakash Jha and Amitabh Bachchan put forward a truly humble image in front of a huge assemblage at Le Meridian Hotel in the Capital where the duo had arrived to promote their upcoming movie, Aarakshan.
But one thing that Big B found "objectionable" was the query related to his age. "My age has become an issue of national debate. I feel there is some conspiracy behind it. Every day I have to inform around a thousand people as to how I manage to handle so much work at this age. What do they want to make me realise? Hum kya buddha gaye hain? (Have I have grown old?) And that I should stop working," said Bachchan, but all in good humour.
On a serious note, he added, "In our industry, a lot depends on your physical strength and appearance. As long as my health is supporting me and I'm getting work, I'll continue working on diverse scripts that I keep getting. I'm game for more challenges." And as he was here to promote Jha's film, Bachchan avoided the mention of his July release but gave up later. "For all those who keep asking me about my age, I would just say, Buddhaa Hoga Tera Baap!" he quipped.
Just like members of a mutual admiration society, both of them began the conversation praising each other. "I give all credit to bhaiyya (Amitabh Bachchan) that we were able to complete the shoot two days before schedule. It was because of him that every actor was on time for the shoot and each one of them came fully prepared," said the director.
On this, Big B replied, "In my 42 years in the film industry, I always wanted to work with a director like him but neither I had the time nor did I get an opportunity. Then around four years back, Prakash came up to me with the script of the movie that dealt with the issue of reservation in our education system, commercialisation of education and how it was creating a divide. I realised I didn't have the experience of working in any issue-based film so instantly agreed. This was despite the fact that Jaya warned me 'he can drive you crazy' and that I should be careful while working with him. But it all went well."
Jha said he wanted to highlight a subject for long that could bring out the problems students face. "I don't think today anyone is completely for or against reservation. However, we talk about the results and pains of reservation in the movie. And how it has resulted in increased competition and problems for bright students," he added. However, Bachchan avoided making any comments on the issue. "Whatever I say, even if it is on a personal front, will ultimately become a public statement and might be used later for political purposes with all wrong reasons. So I better not say anything," said Big B who somehow managed to complete the shoot of two films with completely contrasting scripts on time. "Every character comes with a challenge and it was tough to complete both the films simultaneously," he commented.
Aarakshan, slated for July 12 release, has been shot in Bhopal and stars Saif Ali Khan, Deepika Padukone and Manoj Bajpai. The film also gave an opportunity to around 3,000 students to act. "Most actors are from the city. I held workshops for them that lasted few months to give them proper training in acting. My film Rajneeti was also shot in Bhopal. The reason why I like the city is because it provides a perfect background for my stories," said Jha and added though he keeps getting compliments on his films, his favourite is Pariniti, a film based in Rajasthan.
The director is not new to controversies and Aarakshan has had its share too. "I think every film has its ups and downs but thank god, this one was not too bad. I'm used to of worst cases. There were a few issues towards the end (when the sets were demolished). As far as Censor Board is concerned, I've never thought about them while making films. I know my responsibilities towards the audience. If they don't think what I'm doing is wrong, I'll go ahead. I make films for the youth and wouldn't like to change it because I'm scared of the censorship," he concluded.
A director of his calibre and an actor of his standing can surely act pricey when together and straightaway refuse to answer any question they don't want to comment on. But Prakash Jha and Amitabh Bachchan put forward a truly humble image in front of a huge assemblage at Le Meridian Hotel in the Capital where the duo had arrived to promote their upcoming movie, Aarakshan.
But one thing that Big B found "objectionable" was the query related to his age. "My age has become an issue of national debate. I feel there is some conspiracy behind it. Every day I have to inform around a thousand people as to how I manage to handle so much work at this age. What do they want to make me realise? Hum kya buddha gaye hain? (Have I have grown old?) And that I should stop working," said Bachchan, but all in good humour.
On a serious note, he added, "In our industry, a lot depends on your physical strength and appearance. As long as my health is supporting me and I'm getting work, I'll continue working on diverse scripts that I keep getting. I'm game for more challenges." And as he was here to promote Jha's film, Bachchan avoided the mention of his July release but gave up later. "For all those who keep asking me about my age, I would just say, Buddhaa Hoga Tera Baap!" he quipped.
Just like members of a mutual admiration society, both of them began the conversation praising each other. "I give all credit to bhaiyya (Amitabh Bachchan) that we were able to complete the shoot two days before schedule. It was because of him that every actor was on time for the shoot and each one of them came fully prepared," said the director.
On this, Big B replied, "In my 42 years in the film industry, I always wanted to work with a director like him but neither I had the time nor did I get an opportunity. Then around four years back, Prakash came up to me with the script of the movie that dealt with the issue of reservation in our education system, commercialisation of education and how it was creating a divide. I realised I didn't have the experience of working in any issue-based film so instantly agreed. This was despite the fact that Jaya warned me 'he can drive you crazy' and that I should be careful while working with him. But it all went well."
Jha said he wanted to highlight a subject for long that could bring out the problems students face. "I don't think today anyone is completely for or against reservation. However, we talk about the results and pains of reservation in the movie. And how it has resulted in increased competition and problems for bright students," he added. However, Bachchan avoided making any comments on the issue. "Whatever I say, even if it is on a personal front, will ultimately become a public statement and might be used later for political purposes with all wrong reasons. So I better not say anything," said Big B who somehow managed to complete the shoot of two films with completely contrasting scripts on time. "Every character comes with a challenge and it was tough to complete both the films simultaneously," he commented.
Aarakshan, slated for July 12 release, has been shot in Bhopal and stars Saif Ali Khan, Deepika Padukone and Manoj Bajpai. The film also gave an opportunity to around 3,000 students to act. "Most actors are from the city. I held workshops for them that lasted few months to give them proper training in acting. My film Rajneeti was also shot in Bhopal. The reason why I like the city is because it provides a perfect background for my stories," said Jha and added though he keeps getting compliments on his films, his favourite is Pariniti, a film based in Rajasthan.
The director is not new to controversies and Aarakshan has had its share too. "I think every film has its ups and downs but thank god, this one was not too bad. I'm used to of worst cases. There were a few issues towards the end (when the sets were demolished). As far as Censor Board is concerned, I've never thought about them while making films. I know my responsibilities towards the audience. If they don't think what I'm doing is wrong, I'll go ahead. I make films for the youth and wouldn't like to change it because I'm scared of the censorship," he concluded.
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