Day 303
Jalsa, Mumbai February 20, 2009 7:03 pm
“Ideas will not work until you do’.
“90% of the problems of life are due to tone of life. Its not what you say, but how you say it that creates the problem.”
“To forgive is to set a prisoner free and to discover that the prisoner was you.”
“Good judgement comes from experience and often experience comes from bad judgement.”
“The constant intoxication and belief that ‘success is my birthright’ will give you victory in all actions of life.”
“Yesterday I was clever. So I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise. So I have decided to change myself.”
“Changing one thing for the better, is worth more than proving a thousand things wrong.”
> You have a bunch of films coming up –Rann, Johnny Mastana, Pa, Teen Patti and
> Aladdin. What’s special about the role that you have played in each?
>
> ANS//
> For me every role or film that I work on is special. The films that you
> mention therefore are in no way any different ; they all form a part of the
> challenge that actors seek in their profession.
> I have always admired the directorial sense of Ram Gopal Varma and his
> capacity to keep putting me in situations that test me creatively. He has an
> innovative style of film making and has always attempted to explore minute
> details of situations in life, thrusting them upon his artist, to tackle them
> with a veracity that may have eluded them before. Rann, is another attempt
> from him to do similar with me. It is his look at the media and he puts it in
> an important position in his vision.
> Pa, is with Balki and is with him after Cheeni Kum. He has, not just in his
> commercial advertising world but in film too, desired the unusual. Pa will be
> putting both Abhishek and me in a most challenging situation.
> Teen Patti, is Leena Yadav, a lady and that by itself makes it different and
> exciting. It is wonderful to see a woman’s point of view in a medium dominated
> by men and wonderful to see women asserting their worth and value and talent.
> I wait anxiously to see the results of this film, which is now complete,
> barring a two day shoot overseas. It has been a great joy working with a host
> of my colleagues here and the fresh and young beginners that have all excelled
> themselves in this story, developed through an inspiration from real life
> facts.
> Aladin, is Sujoy Ghosh. Young and energetic and sensitive to film and sound
> and music and technology. It is contemporary, yet fantastical. It is a story
> that is known to all and I play the Genie. It is Sujoy’s take on the subject
> and it is indeed novel.
> Lastly, Johnny Mastana. Another inspired work by Shoojit Sarkar. Another
> director from the world of advertising and another novel idea.
> For the moment therefore I can safely say, that all the roles spelt out above
> have been special yes, but also put me in situations I may not have been in
> before. Some of them certainly not been in before. After 40 years, 150 films
> and at age 67, that is more, much much more, than what I could have ever
> imagined.
>
> Abhishek says it’s work that keeps you going. Do you agree?
>
> ANS//
> Yes I would. But more than that, the heart. Both metaphorically and
> physically. If there is no heart, the body and mind will never move in unison.
> This profession demands that. The most ridiculous and exaggerated
> circumstances in film would cow you down if there was no unison. And then of
> course when the heart stops, you stop existing.
>
> Do you feel the same kind of adrenalin-rush each time you face the camera?
>
> ANS//
> Yes !
>
> You are a teetotaler and a vegetarian. What’s the one thing to which you are
> happily addicted?
>
> ANS//
> Since you direct your question to consumables, I trust you are directing my
> response to a consumable also. Ghar ka khana is desirable. But if it is not
> around I could manage with whatever is. Which, I might add, can be somewhat
> frustrating for those that look after my eating habits, because, there is very
> little that is left on my list which could fall in the category of a
> consumable !!
>
> How would you describe yourself as — religious or spiritual?
>
> ANS//
> Religious defines itself as relating to belief in religion, or following the
> practices of religion. Showing and believing in devotion and reverence to
> deity or deities. Belonging to a monastic order.
> Spiritual – relating to soul and spirit usually in contrast to material
> things, to religious and sacred things rather than worldly, connected by an
> affinity of mind and temperament, showing great refinement and concern with
> the higher things of life.
> Describing oneself, I would imagine, is one of the more difficult tasks that
> the human encounters. I like both the definitions. And find myself adhering to
> a bit of both.
>
> Every time you hit a low, you bounce back with greater enthusiasm. What would
> you attribute this to?
>
> ANS//
> FLUBBER !!
>
> Does insecurity still bog you down? Do you have your vulnerable moments?
>
> ANS//
> Every day is an insecure day for me. And every moment vulnerable.
>
> Does the release of a film unnerve you still?
>
> ANS//
> Yes ! Yes ! ( I added the second one just so I don’t sound too monotonous )
>
> Having seen maddening fame and fortune, what has kept you so sane and rooted?
>
> ANS//
> You would have to do some intense home work before asking this.
> Define, maddening fame, fortune, sane and rooted.
> And while you are at it let me enlighten you by responding, that whatever may
> or could be your idea or definition of it, it would never be an adequate
> description. These are words and terms that never cross my mind. Perhaps they
> do yours and of others. For me I look upon my profession as another job that
> needs to be done, with utmost sincerity. My satisfaction is in whether that
> has been possible. The rest of the trappings, if at all they can be called
> that, are peripheral and do not form an intrinsic part of my existence.
> For me it is quite fulfilling to learn that you acknowledge a certain saneness
> and rooted quality in me, whatever that defines !
>
> Your life is perhaps even more intriguing than a film script. Would you like
> to be born as Amitabh Bachchan again and again? Why?
>
> ANS//
> There you go again delivering assessments, not of my reckoning. But yes, I
> would like to be born as Amitabh Bachchan again and again and again. Not
> because I am enamoured by that ‘intriguing script’ you seem to have imagined,
> but because I would like to be born again as my father’s and mother’s child.
> The son or daughter of Dr Harivansh Rai and Teji Bachchan !
>
> What are those qualities in your father, the late Dr Harivanshrai Bachchan,
> which you wish to possess too?
>
> ANS//
> The joy and the purpose of my life would be over if I were to possess even one
> of the incredible qualities of my Father. The joy and purpose of my life is to
> strive and struggle to be able to imbibe those qualities of his. If there is
> nothing for mankind/womankind to struggle and strive for in this world, he/she
> might as well not be here.
>
> What are the traits that you have unwittingly imbibed?
>
> ANS//
> In the context of the above response, this question seems irrelevant. But I
> possess his genes biologically and his DNA.
>
> You were known to share a very close bond with your mother, the late Mrs Teji
> Bachchan. What are those memories that come rushing to your mind when you
> think of her?
>
> ANS//
> You are asking me to write volumes and volumes of text on this subject, for an
> interview, that shall perhaps find not so prominent a page in your respected
> and esteemed magazine. Firstly, this here is too limited a space for such a
> personal and extensive query. And secondly, I would, with all due respect,
> like to keep those memories within myself and not air them for public
> consumption. I have and do on occasion write about her on my blog. What she
> was and what she meant to me. If you do not take this to be too impertinent, I
> should have no objection to you using said material for your purpose. But if
> you were to push me against the wall I would just summarise with a few words –
> beauty, fragrance, spirit, tranquillity and fight !!
>
> What are the ways in which you miss her?
>
> ANS//
> The ways in which any son would miss his Mother. The comfort and embrace of
> her lap when you return home tired and frustrated with the struggles of every
> day life. The trust and belief of the confidence she imparts at times of
> defeat and failure. The caress of her soft hands on your head, assuring us
> that all will be well. The prayers and blessings that she continuously
> delivers for our well being. The simple ways in which she will have a solution
> to the most complicated situations. And above all, the realization that today
> when you shall call out to her, you will not hear her voice.
>
> Do you believe that the heart never wrinkles? What are the things that you
> enjoyed doing as a youth and still do now?
>
> ANS//
> Metaphorically it never does and I am certain it would be the same with us
> all. What I do now and what I enjoyed doing as a youth is being able to
> breathe !!
>
> What are things that you would still like to learn?
>
> ANS//
> Oh ! A whole host of things. To learn to play a musical instrument. To learn
> at least a dozen foreign languages and all the prominent languages of India.
> To be proficient at my craft as an actor – there is so much to learn. To be
> able to know about how the financial world moves and to be able to manage my
> own. To be conversant with the procedures of the Laws of the land and to be
> conversant with the scriptures and the epics of our country.
>
> Your blogging has not only connected you with your fans directly, but has also
> shown your ease with technology. Is it difficult maintaining a blog despite
> heavy schedules?
>
> ANS//
> No it is not. If I can find time to feed myself and sleep, I shall be able to
> find time to write my blog.
>
> Not many agreed with your views on Slumdog Millionnaire. Your comments please.
>
> ANS//
> I never expressed any views on the film SlumDog Millionaire. I never have on
> any film or an individual in a derogatory manner, ever. Media, mischievously
> picked words from my blog, twisted them around and made an alarming headline.
> Thereafter, all the reactions that came were from the headline. No one
> bothered to look at the blog to check whether what was mentioned in it was
> bearing up to the headline. My blog is there for reference even today. I had
> mentioned, comments made by others, their pros and cons, and invited debate. A
> practice I often do with my respondents and fans. So … media got an
> opportunity to hit at me. Fair enough. I stick a few to them, they to me.
> Media is huge and certainly with wider reach and is impressionable. I am small
> and limited in my blogosphere. But even if I can correct and change the
> misreport for the benefit of one single individual, I am satisfied and happy.
> That one word, travels. And through the medium of the internet, at very rapid
> speeds to the universe. And were you to go to some of my responses you would
> be able to gauge what many hundreds now think of the entire episode. And may I
> warn you, they are not very flattering to the press.
> I have great faith in the media and to many of the accomplished journalists
> whom I continuously look up to for their very analytical and mature
> commentary. But it is becoming increasingly clearer by the day that media’s
> once exalted position as ‘keepers’ of society, has begun to tarnish. The paint
> has rubbed off and the rust noticeably visible. Particularly so in the
> electronic. Print columnists that write reviews on electronic have, I notice,
> been very harsh on this account at times.
> SlumDog is a very well crafted film. But no different in story and content
> from a Manmohan Desai or a Prakash Mehra film of the 70’s and 80’s. In many
> ways it is a great tribute to these giant makers and to the Indian Film
> Industry. In a vibrant democracy we welcome the liberty of free expression. Mr Danny Boyle has done just that. Expressed himself freely.
> Artists and film makers must never be robbed of that liberty. Within of course
> the accepted laws of the land.
>
> In an industry ridden with sycophants, how do you differentiate friends from
> foes?
>
> ANS//
> Is it just the film Industry that is, as you put it, ‘ridden with sycophants’ ?
> Would you disagree that the media too is riddled with similar attributes ? Are
> you able to sift the chaff from the grain ? From those that deliberately and
> consciously pander to the press for advantage ? If you agree, then you would
> know best the answer to your question. You would know how to differentiate the
> friends from the foes. And that would be no different from how any other would
> in the Industry. If you were to disagree. You would either be dishonest to
> yourself or too naïve. Neither of which I would expect from someone of your
> integrity. An integrity that bears the endorsement of your boss. A boss, whom
> I checked with, before agreeing to do your interview.
>
> You once said that you are the most forgiving person alive. Why?
>
> ANS//
> Did I ? Must have been an exuberance after a satisfying and successful venture
> !!
> But seriously though, I find it rather damaging and discomforting to entertain
> malice and grouse and ill feeling. I believe more damage is caused to the body
> that harbours such thought, than the one it should be directed to. I believe
> non forgiveness would coerce you to cater to a continuous vibration within you
> of hate and ill feeling. Why would I want to consistently do that to myself ?
> I sincerely believe that those that do, change physically too ; the expression
> on the face, the language of the body, their speech their demeanour,
> everything. Hate will reduce your life span. Forgiveness can only expand it. I
> would like to live an expanded life.
>
> Much has been said about your sense of humour. Is that side only for family
> and friends?
>
> ANS//
> I would have assumed that by now during the course of the interview, you would
> have changed your opinion. Or your question.
>
> For somebody who has worked from Prakash Mehra to Balki, which director from
> the new breed would you want to work with?
>
> ANS//
> From Khwaja Ahmed Abbas to Balki/ Shoojit/Sujoy/Leena would be more
> appropriate. And my knowledge of the new breed of directors, with huge
> apology, is very limited, so I often seek assistance from Abhishek on their
> credentials when approached.
>
> What’s the kind of music you like to hear?
>
> ANS//
> Every kind. It must have that ability to pull the strings of the heart.
>
> Jayaji has said that at times you like to spend days in silence. Is that your
> way of healing and rejuvenating?
>
> ANS//
> Why would you think that I need healing and rejuvenating ? I speak when I am
> spoken to ; at times when I am not spoken to. I speak when there is a need to
> ; most of the times others think there is no need to. I speak like now when
> someone questions me ; most of the times I do not when they do not question
> me. It is questionable that one is silent when one is perceived to be silent.
> A perceived silence is often quite eloquent to some.
> I do not know how many days I spend in silence and speech. But I do know that
> I do not know whether they heal or rejuvenate !!
>
> Time and again you have said that Waheeda Rehman is your favourite actress.
> What’s it that sets her apart?
>
> ANS//
> A certain Indianness ; a grace that I cannot describe !
>
> You once said that Aishwarya was like a friend to you. Why?
>
> ANS//
> I treat all my children like friends. They show me respect as an elder and I
> honour that. But they shall always remain my friends. I would share with them
> what I would with friends of my own age and treat them likewise. I like doing
> that and so I do it.
>
> What was your first reaction when you heard about her being honoured with a
> Padmashri?
>
> ANS//
> Happy for her as an individual, an artist, a colleague, a friend and as my
> bahu !! And happy that she will be the 5th Padma Awardee in the family. My
> Father the first with the Padma Bhushan, next the Padma Shree for me, then
> another for me with the Padma Bhushan, Jaya next with the Padma Shree and now
> Aishwarya.
>
> What’s the one lesser known truth about you?
>
> ANS//
> That you would never get a response to this question !
>
> While you were recuperating at Breach Candy Hospital after the Collie
> accident, you penned some beautiful poems. Do you still write poetry?
>
> ANS//
> It was a moment in hospital when you are vulnerable and weak and disturbed and
> dependent. Most individuals tend to either become poetic or prosaic in such
> extenuating circumstances. I did put some very ordinary thoughts to pen,
> during that time. But never since. I do not have the talent for poetry or
> prose. My Father generously translated them into Hindi. The translation was a
> million times better than the original ! A novel observation. Because
> generally it is quite the opposite.
>
> What’s something you can’t live without?
>
> ANS//
> My heart beat !!
>
> What according to you has been the most romantic number filmed in Hindi
> cinema? Why?
>
> ANS//
> Waqt ne kiya kya haseen sitam… Tum rahe na tum, hum rahe na hum from,
> ‘Kaagaz ke Phool’. Guru Dutt and Waheeda Rehman standing apart in the
> loneliness of a forlorn studio. Their hearts understanding their conditions
> but no one speaks or sings. They just stand and stare. And then almost
> dreamlike, their images, or souls, if you could put it thus, wistfully step
> out from their physicality and walk towards each other. The song, the tune,
> the singing, the moment just so so ethereal…
>
> Which has been the one filmed on you?
>
>
> ANS//
> Kabhi sheshay mein surat dekhi hai meri…. Romance to milon door bhaagega
> mujhse !!
>
>
>
> Thank you,
> Amitabh Bachchan
Back in the surrounds of home again. Back in front of the camera. And back to the EF, for which there is great joy.
Yesterday was full of travel and premier and getting together, albeit shortly. Everyone came in from different directions and then congregated at the theatre for ‘Delhi 6′. Abhishek in from Dubai, Aishwarya from Kolkata, and I in from Mumbai; Jaya already there because of Parliament.
This was my second visit to the film in two days and I enjoyed it better the second time around.
‘Delhi 6′ is a unique film. Authentic and timeless. Faultless and sincere. It is a mirror on todays society, its complications and its frailties. It addresses cultures and beliefs, human nature and influences. Despite all the posturing it is never in your face with psuedo sincere monologues, or played to the gallery expositions. There is just enough – subtle, restrained and eloquent all in one.
I am most impressed with the film. I am most impressed with the nuances that it has presented, both in structure and performance. Every character so beautifully cast and etched. Every dialogue, sufficient and effective. Brevity never sounded more sincere than it did in Delhi 6 and it echoed through out, just as dominantly as the voices of the lead pair under the Taj Mahal dome in Agra.
The mirror to society is cleverly, even physically demonstrated through the ‘mad’ baba, who maniacally keeps appearing in the streets holding up a mirror to the characters in the film. It is the basis of the theme of the film. Look into the mirror it says and you shall discover that somewhere in a corner of your being you know that there is no space for hatred and malice. Discord and retaliation. Anger and violence…
‘zarre zarre mein usika noor hai,
jhaankh khud mein wo na tujhase door hai..’
In every little particle there is the goodness of His presence. Look into yourself, it is not far from you.
Hatred and discord are formed by circumstances not of our reckoning. But when presented with motive they begin to destroy not just yourself but other innocents as well. If we were to share the love only that lay cuddled in a corner of our hearts, what a wonderful world this universe would be.
And this from an Indian born American, coming to his Motherland to escort his grandmother, because she wants to spend her last days in her place of birth, is the revelation.
Communities in Chandni Chowk, or Delhi 110006, the postal code of the city, now referred to commonly as Delhi 6, live in secular belief, harmony and practice. Their peace is being broken by this mysterious black beast that attacks people in the dark of the night – a factual incident that took place in old Delhi some years ago. No one was able to see it or catch it, but regularly its victims increased. This has been symbolically taken into the story of the film as being that hidden black monkey within all of us. That conscience which governs and runs us.
To me the credit title roll, the time when the audience gets up and leaves, is the most poignant moment in the film. Credit titles on one end and a blank mirror at the other end of the screen, form the visual. And one by one the characters in the film come and stand to look at themselves. And after pondering at it for an extended period of time, change their nature through expression, conveying that they have all realized the presence of this symbolic black monkey within. It is cinema at its best.
Indian popular cinema has through years and years established a given format of creativity and success. The audience has been bludgeoned into believing this escapist extended culture to be the accepted norm. This is how people live and survive, eat and dress, sing and dance. It is a fantasticised escapist realization. And its repeated acceptance qualifies itself as recognized entertainment. Any deviation from it is considered sub standard or with blemish.
In the middle of all this comes a truer film. Closer to the earth, realistic yet having the strains of commerce and it poses a vicious challenge. You cannot criticize it, for, its theme preaches love and abolition of hatred. It is devoid of the typical ‘snap your finger and a hundred dancers in some elaboration appear almost ghost like and sing and dance to their merriment’ satraps. The location cannot be discussed – it is factually there and prospering. Music, an intrinsic part of our film, is the best that AR has done in many years, yet it is not stage designed as items.
Delhi 6 is that film that I find hard to criticize. I cannot put my finger on it and neither can I withdraw.
Someone yesterday made an interesting comment. Films today are subjected to so much marketing and promotion, it seems almost embarrassing to say that the film did not work.
If so..
It will be embarrassing for me to say the film did not work ; and I have not yet been subjected to any marketing and promotion.
There will be some debate on this I am certain. In the meantime..
Amitabh Bachchan
ps: the photographs speak for themselves, Danny Glover and all… and the interview is for Filmfare !!
