Of course I wear a mask: Amitabh Bachchan

It’s his second coming on the small screen and the role seems tailor-made for Amitabh  Bachchan. Behold, the pop philosopher of Indian television. And while he’ll be presiding over the unmasking of several celebrities during the course of Bigg Boss, he just as easily agrees that a facade is often a necessity of public life. “Do I wear a mask? Of course.

And actors have one for every new day. As soon as we face the camera, it comes on.”
For someone who’s made a career in front of the camera, Amitabh confesses he still isn’t quite comfortable with the intrusive version of it. “You never know what’s been captured in the camera or in what way it will be presented,” he says.

Amitabh is quick to reveal when he himself will be ready to live inside the house (“Never!”), but ask him what lies behind his own mask and he laughs aloud, the amusement in his voice unmistakable. “I hope you’ll never ever be able to see inside my mask. That’ll be the end of me.” After decades of seeing him in every mood and situation, do we still not know the real Amitabh? Even theoretically, he assures, that’s impossible. “I do believe that when we perform a particular sequence, it is impossible to prevent a little portion of what you are from coming out. And I can say this with confidence for many actors all over the world that a little part of you does show through,” notes Bachchan.

What tempted him to play pop philosopher, he says, is the chance to share his innermost beliefs, the real him, and attempt to offer a sense of direction. “I used to spend time with ma and babuji before leaving for work and after I was back.  Just having them around was a support system. In their last days, for several years, they couldn’t talk much or even move about, but still I felt that I had someone over me. They are no more, but their teachings remain. When my youngers ask my advice, I add my own little something to that and answer them.”