‘Amitabh Bachchan is a revelation’

Hollywood film editor Hughes Winborne gets chatty about his
Bollywood experience.

How did you decide on editing a Hindi film?
I was contacted by a friend of Ambika’s (Hinduja) in Los Angeles who asked if I would be interested in editing an Indian film. Well, I said yes of course! I love to get out of LA to experience films in other cultures. In fact, after I finished Teen Patti, I liked the idea of shaking up my perspective. It helps me improve as an editor. And editing in a language so foreign to me forced me to edit more visually. I could not rely on the rhythm of the language as I can in English.Though I did not see footage before I arrived in Mumbai, I read the script. It was for me compelling and moving. The script made me cry. That is usually a good sign though I cry at the drop of a hat. And once I saw the footage, I was not disappointed.

What do you think of the film?
The film is a richly told story with many twists and turns. Beautifully shot and told. And of course there is Mr Bachchan who was  a revelation to me. I was not familiar with his work before but after watching his performance, I can safely say he is not just a great Indian actor, he is a great actor period. In Hindi, English and whatever other language he may speak. His performance is restrained and intense. For me one of the pleasures of working on this movie was watching him work. It is one of the gifts great actors give an editor everyday they come to work.