Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan says Shah Rukh Khan left him in a jovial mood after the latter called him to confirm his presence at the premiere of upcoming film "Paa".
"Shah Rukh has remained with me in the late afternoon. He is a very funny man and shakes me into joviality when I inform him about the premiere and his absolute presence there. He tells me, `He is already there, black suited and with anticipation of seeing `Paa`," Amitabh posted on bigb.bigadda.com.
"Aamir too communicates today and confirms his presence," he added.
The cast and crew of "Paa" - including Amitabh, Abhishek and director R Balakrishnan have major plans for the film`s premiere December 3 in Mumbai.
Amitabh plays a 12-year-old progeria patient in "Paa" and he had to stick on several pieces of specially crafted clay to get the right look for the movie. The disease causes premature ageing among children.
International make-up artist Stephan Dupuis designed Big B`s look and the megastar had to sit for five-six hours for the make-up.
The 67-year-old says he is now anxious about how the audience and critics will react to the film.
"Slowly but surely the jig saw puzzle will begin to unfold. The test of all our hours and hours of effort at the film shall now be up for scrutiny. And within two hours and 14 minutes the verdict shall be passed. Once passed, shall remain passed. Such is the destiny of those that participate in this wondrous game of filmmaking," he said.
The film is releasing December 4.
Shah Rukh is a Funny Man: Big B
Om Puri is childlike: Big B
Amitabh Bachchan, who launched the controversial biography of Om Puri here, has lauded his contemporary`s courage in revealing details about his personal life.
The launch, where Puri narrated some of life`s moments himself, was attended by a large number of people from the Hindi film fraternity.
Describing the evening in his blog, the 67-year-old megastar wrote, "Facing a public audience can be a daunting task even in the most comfortable circumstances, but to his credit I must say his candidness became the most endearing moments of the evening."
The book `Om Puri: An Unlikely Hero` has been written by Puri`s journalist wife Nandita and was in news over her revelations about Puri`s relationship with various women.
"Overwhelmed by the realities of his own very humbling early existence, Om Puri choked with emotion as he narrated those moments with the honesty that most of us would perhaps never acquire," Bachchan wrote about his `Dev` co-star.
Big B also joked about how he has become the most popular book launcher in Mumbai and has developed a skill to wrap things up quickly.
"As the official `book launcher` of the city I have now developed a knack of getting through these situations rather rapidly," he wrote.
Bachchan`s next book launch is a new elaborate form of his father Harivansh Rai Bachchan`s `Madhushala` at the late poet`s 101 birth anniversary on November 28.
Paa Amitabh is an incredible human being: Aishwarya
The Bachchans just can’t ask for a better bahu than Aishwarya Bachchan. The former Miss World has been totally committed to the Bachchan family besides shooting films and commercials without break. She is equally excited about the Family banner ABCL’s Paa, though she is not part of the cast.The fact is that she is supporting the film by taking up the responsibility as its marketing head.This is her way of reviving the family banner, which went bankrupt a few years ago following a series of flops and incurring a huge loss from organizing the Miss World contest in Bangalore in 1998.
Ash is all praise for her father-in-law and said that he is an incredible human being and a thorough professional. She added that she didn’t need to say these words but the fact is that he is leading an extremely busy life with lots of commitments.She said that she met Auro, the character played by her father-in-law. She added that she dropped into the sets of Paa and couldn’t believe her eyes that the person sitting next to her hubby Abhishek was paa (Amitabh Bachchan).
Well, the much-hyped film Paa starring Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, Paresh Rawal and Vidya Balan is scheduled for release on December 6.
AdvertisementAbhishek Bachchan to carry Big B in real
The premiere of Paa in Mumbai is a special event for the Bachchans. Being AB Corp’s first production in five years both Amitabh Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan are quite gung ho about the film.The venue of the premiere will be decorated like a children’s nursery.
But what’s special is that Abhishek Bachchan will be carrying Amitabh on his back – replicating a sequence from the film.Apparently Amitabh is worried about Abhishek’s back but the junior B is super kicked about the idea.
Director Balki told the tabloids that initially Amitabh was planning to stand at the gate in his Auro get up. “But that would be too impractical and bit of a distraction,” Balki said.The Bachchans have personally invited a host of celebs from the industry and ad world.
AdvertisementBig B Croons for ‘Paa’
It was a dream come true for Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan as he recently recorded ‘Paa’ title track in the presence of Chennai based legendry composer Ilaiyaaraja!
Meant to be an alternative recording session, Big B recorded the title track of ‘Paa’ at Aadesh Shrivastava’s Mumbai studio. In this title track, Big B recorded the number in the voice of 12-year old Auro.
It is believed that the song, which is composed by Ilaiyaraaja was sent across all the way from Chennai. Initially, Amitabh regretted the fact that he was unable to meet the maestro himself and record the song in his presence. However, it was a boon of sorts when director R Balki and Big B much later realised the song had to be re-recorded as it’s recording in the Mumbai studio went kaput.
Speaking to a news daily, Balki in a jovial mood said, “I guess someone up there was listening. Our recording in Mumbai of Amitji’s number suffered a leakage in the headphone. The song had to be re-done all over again. So here we are in Chennai. We’ve just recorded the title number again, this time with Amitji and Ilaiyaraaja face to face.”
News has it that R Balki and Amitabh Bachchan wish to keep the song under wraps and will be coming out with the number at an appropriate time.
Amitabh Bachchan not invited to IFFI
The entertainment society of Goa (ESG), co-host of the 40th edition of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI), has held its central government partner Directorate of film festivals (DFF) responsible for not inviting legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan to grace the festival. Bachchan has not been invited ever since IFFI shifted to Goa in 2003. “We always feel that we need Amitabh Bachchan. It would be great to have him at the IFFI,” said Rajendra Talak member of the red carpet committee, which oversees the logistical arrangement for the glamorous event at the IFFI.
Talak however said that the ESG’s major chore as a state government entity was to take care of logistics and execution of the film festival arrangements, rather than conceptualising the event. “Even if we feel we need Amitabh, what can we do? It is only up to the DFF… We are not even allowed to recommend any names to them,” he said. Talak refused to comment on whether Bachchan’s political affiliations had anything to do with the superstar not being formally invited to the IFFI.
During a press conference in October Amitabh Bachchan, who was in the company of Goa Chief Minister Digambar Kamat, had expressed his wish to attend the IFFI in Goa. When asked by reporters why he had never been invited to the film festival, Bachchan had quipped: “You should ask those people who do the inviting.”
AdvertisementBig B honoured with Lifetime Achievement Award
Actor Amitabh Bachchan was honoured at the closing night of the Mumbai Academy of Moving Images (MAMI) international film festival in Mumbai on Thursday as the actor completes four decades in the entertainment industry. From an angry young man to a romantic icon and now a 13-year-old child, Big B has played all kinds of roles in Bollywood.
The closing ceremony of Mumbai Film Festival was yet another reason to celebrate Big B’s glorious 40 years in the industry. He was honoured for his unmatched contribution to the Indian cinema.”I am really grateful to the Indian film industry for tolerating me for so many years. I remember all the wonderful people that got associated with me,” says Big B.With innumerable honours in his kitty the actor is still yearning for more. “I’ve enjoyed the fact that every generation has expressed a will to work with me and shown some very exciting challenges,” he adds.
Director R. Balki just gave him one such opportunity with his upcoming film Paa. “The concept of having me played a 13-year old was unusual. I think it is also very interesting to have Abhishek played the father’s role,” Amitabh says.Age is certainly no bar for this talent house and as Big B remains open to quirky roles, his fans hope that the ever-adventurous Amitabh continues to entertain them just the way he has for decades.
AdvertisementWhen Abhishek plays Paa to Amitabh Bachchan
Abhishek Bachchan has turned a father, that too of a 13-year-old kid! Don’t get surprised. Junior B is playing dad to his actual father – Big B – in their upcoming movie Paa.It takes five hours for the make-up and 68-year-old Amitabh Bachchan is made to look like a 13-year-old kid as he plays a character called Aaro, suffering from progenia in the film. So an older Amitabh is given child-like looks in the movie. Of course, a whole lot of prosthetics and make-up techniques go into getting the right look. All thanks to international make-up artist duo – Christian Kifle and Dominic – as Big B’s make-up was just perfect.
To achieve this kind of looks, the subject is completely stripped off his clothes and is covered in a layer of make-up. Everything from his nose, eyes and mouth are covered leaving just about a sufficient opening for the person to breathe.In fact, it has been so overwhelming for Bachchan that he has often blogged about the experience.”I drove back to the hotel to another trial of make up for Paa. This has just gotten over and even after a hot shower bits and pieces of prosthetics linger irritatingly all over the body. It almost feels to an outsider as though I were losing all my skin,” he wrote recently.
And for every scene Amitabh had to go through the ordeal of a five-hour make-up routine. Interestingly, it did not end just there. Big B had to sit through another hour and a half routine to take the paint off.”The prosthetics and make up timings are improving as is the ability to eat something with it on. My speech suffers whilst I am in the cover of the moulds. But it comes as an added advantage to the play in the character I portray,” Big B adds.
The makers of the film went through a three-month trial with Big B for a look test. Make-up artists tried new looks everyday before finalising one for the character.
AdvertisementBig B brokers Peace between Sherlyn Chopra and her Mom
The real character of Sherlyn Chopra come out of the box, when she started talking to Big B Amitabh Bachchan on “Aakhri Salam” of Bigg Boss 3. Sherlyn, who was evicted from Bigg Boss house yesterday, became emotional and even cried on the set. She revealed everything about her plan, family and dreams.She admitted that she was not good during the early days, but changed a lot, as the show progressed. “I tried to make two groups inside the Bigg Boss house – guys and girls and I wanted to stay with the guys. But Poonam Dhillon ji said what I was thinking was not proper and we all were one group. I repent for those first two weeks. I changed myself a lot, but perhaps it was too late”, said Sherlyn.
Sherlyn said she was surprised by the public voting. She was pretty sure that Vindoo will be evicted from the house and she would stay on. But that did not happen. “I may sound outrageous and provocative on reel life, but i am a normal person in real life” she said.The biggest moment in Sherlyn’s life came, when Amitabh Bachchan brokered peace between her and her mom. Sherlyn had earlier admitted that she was not at good terms with her mom and sister. “My sister used to tell that she was being subjected to taunts by her friends because of me. There were several differences between me and my sister”, revealed Sherlyn.
Sherlyn also said that she has been living alone since the age of 16. “I was not even called to my brother’s wedding. When my father died, I was the only family member to attend his funeral. None from my family came to pay their last respect to my father”, she said.Sherlyn finally held herself responsible for the rift within the family and wanted to talk to her mom. Amitabh Bachchan immediately called her mother and both mother-daughter talked for a while. It was an emotional moment, as her mother said she wants Sherlyn back. Sherlyn too said that she wants to forget everything and start a new life.
Sherlyn may be out of Bigg Boss 3, but she gained a lot. Although the housemates nominated her for four times in a row, they felt upset and sad for her, when she left. Most of them were of the view that Sherlyn was made a scapegoat and she deserved a second chance. But it’s too late. Life in BiggBoss 3 will move on without Kamal Khan and Sherlyn Chopra. The next two targets will be Vindu Dara Singh and Rohit Verma.
AdvertisementControversies have stopped affecting me: Big B
Even as a new film threatens to rake up dirt about the alleged Parveen Babi-Amitabh Bachchan relationship, the superstar comes clear of the old accusations saying that such controversies have stopped affecting him.
The film Three Kings by Hollywood director Reynold Baines reportedly revolves around the controversial actress and the three men in her life, director Mahesh Bhatt, actor Kabir Bedi and Bachchan, but the 'Shehenshah' of Bollywood is far from perturbed.
"I don't know where they are getting all this rubbish from because it's all untrue. But what can you do, it is another artiste's perception of who I am," Bachchan told PTI in an exclusive interview.
Apart from wife Jaya, Bachchan made the maximum films with Babi, including cult classics like 'Don' and 'Amar Akbar Anthony'.
So when Babi who was reportedly suffering from schizophrenia, accused Bachchan of conspiring to kill her in a court petition filed in 1992, it grabbed headlines.
Though the court dismissed the case for lack of evidence, the incident caused plenty of negative press for Bachchan.
"When you have got accused of all kinds of things from national scandals to this, you just learn to take it. How is this any less than Bofors or Barabanki, or the recent fraud which I have been accused of?
"All these things are part and parcel of my life now, so I just lie back and enjoy," said Bachchan adding that he plans to clear his record through his favourite medium, blogging.
"Time is running out and I have to clear the record about plenty of things. That is why I have started talking. I had decided earlier that I would keep quite and not say anything as I did not know the machinations that work behind the events just to taint you. But in today's world it does not pay to be a silent observer," said Bachchan.
The thespian who considers blogging his passion, said that he makes it a point to take time out of his schedule to write because he has formed an emotional connect with his readers.
"I feel very responsible by the end of the day, because now I have a huge family, which waits in anticipation for what am I going to say. It's almost like me sitting and talking. So if I suddenly stop blogging, it will be like me suddenly getting up and leaving, which is unfair to my audience," said the actor who was chosen as the 'Star of the Millennium' by BBC in 2000.
Bachchan, who recently turned 67 amid much celebration and national fanfare, will next be seen playing a genie in the fantasy flick 'Aladin'.
"My genie is actually inspired by Sujoy Ghosh, the director. The genie in the film is not a huge apparition wearing harem pants and a felt cap. He is naughty and always has a smile. He actually wants to grant Aladin the three wishes quickly so that he can then retire," said Bachchan.
While the genie might be keen to hang up his boots, retirement is far from Bachchan's mind, who is enjoying a peak in his career.
What is Amitabha Bachchan doing in Chenab Gandhi?
After the critical and commercial success of Black, Bachchan and Bhansali will reunite for the latter’s production, period film Chenab Gandhi. ‘The film is based on North West Frontier Province freedom fighter Abdul Gaffar Khan, widely known as Frontier Gandhi. Amitabh Bachchan will be mouthing heavy Urdu lines in the film and will also sport a beard, kajal and wear Pathani suits,’ informs a source. The movie will go on the floors in February 2010 and in true SLB style, it has a big budget.Sanjay Leela Bhansali had initially cast Hurman Baweja who was replaced by John Abraham and now Rajeev Khandelwal has been confirmed for the role.
Sanjay Leela Bhansali saw him in the rushes of Peter Gaya Kaam Se where he has long hair and chose him for the role. If he cuts his hair, he loses the role. He has to do a lot of research for the role and is extremely nervous about sharing screen space with Mr. Bachchan so early on in his career. He will play his aide in the film.Though SLB is not directing the film, he is completely involved in his assistant Vibhu Puri’s film. Vibhu Puri was his assistant on Saawariyaa and also assisted Vishal Bhardwaj on The Blue Umbrella. The film will be shot in studios in Mumbai and will wrap up in 2-3 schedules.
This is Vidya Balan’s second film with Amitabh Bachchan after R. Balki’s Paa. She is the only female character in the movie but nothing much is known about her role. Let us hope that Chenab Gandhi turns out to be an interesting lesson in history.
AdvertisementAmitabha Bachchan gives 7 lakhs to dancers
The senior Bachchans came to the rescue of two dancers who had lost all hope of realising their dream to participate in an upcoming nternational games competition due to lack of funds. The dancers had trained hard to participate as partners in the Latin American Dance category of the Indoor Asian Games which is to be held in Vietnam, shortly. But they could not afford to do so. Their hope of finding a sponsor crashed when the corporates they approached through their trainer Sandip Soparrkar, turned them down.
Sandip has known the couple for the last seven year. He says, “When I came to know that they were financially unable to participate in the event, I contacted the Bachchan’s who instantly agreed to finance them. I had a word with Jayaji and later with Amitji too and the cheque for seven lakhs arrived within three days of the meeting, duly signed by Amitji himself.”The dancers can’t stop thanking the senior Bachchans. Diago Pereira, one of the two grateful dancers said, “Latin American dance is an expensive sport and we could not bear the cost of the logistics involved for the international competition.
My dance partner, Dr. Reesha Dhulap and I were worried about losing out on participating. Now, we practice even harder because we don’t want to let the Bachchan’s down.”
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