‘I am grateful that films still come to me at this age’: Amitabh Bachchan on his cinematic journey

Amitabh Bachchan has been entertaining and enthralling audiences for five decades. The legend of Hindi cinema has not only broken the norm, but also reinvented himself over the years. The septuagenarian, who plays a lawyer in Sujoy Ghosh’s Badla that released yesterday, talks to us about movies, co-stars and why we need to be conscientious citizens. But prior to kick-starting the interview, he pays an ode to the martyrs who have laid their lives for the country: “Before starting any activity related to the promotions of my film Badla, I wish to pay my condolences and respects to our bravehearts that sacrificed their lives in Pulwama, and those bravehearts that stand and fight to save and protect us.”

Namaste Amitji, 2019 is a landmark year. It marks your golden jubilee in the Indian film industry. Please speak at length about the numerous thoughts that run through your head at this juncture.

I have never given this issue any importance or meaning. Your love and affection and the blessings of well-wishers has borne greater value. That’s it!

Recently, Abhishek Bachchan was spotted wearing a T-shirt saluting and celebrating your 50 years in Hindi cinema. He told us he is one of your biggest fans. What are your thoughts on this, sir?

He is my son! What more can a father ask for!

Are films like Badla, Jhund and Brahmastra extra- special because they come in your 50th year?

They are important to me as projects, as a professional. I am grateful that they still come to me at this age!

(The megastar with Sujoy Ghosh and Manav Kaul on the Badla set)

Tell us about your role in Badla and the experience of working with Sujoy Ghosh.

Badla is a suspense thriller. I play a lawyer, employed by Taapsee (Pannu) to fight an allegation against her. Sujoy and I have worked before and have known each other for long. There is always a sense of ease working with him… he is an intelligent mind and brings his creativity along with it.

Taapsee and you did spectacular work in Pink. Badla sees you two coming together again. Naturally, expectations are sky-high. Do tell us more about working with this fine actor.

Taapsee is a comprehensive, most competent artiste. It’s been a joy working with her in both Pink and Badla.

You excel at playing a lawyer. We saw shades of it in Pink and also got a gist of your role in Badla from the trailer. Can you give us any more insights into your role in the thriller?

I have already given you an idea about my role — any further details would reveal the story. And that for a thriller would not be prudent.

Coming back to your golden jubilee year, is there anything special planned to mark it?

No.

Please share with us reactions from the ladies of the house — Jayaji, Shweta, and Aishwarya on your golden jubilee. Did they “mark’’ it the way Abhishek did?

That is within the family…

Your contribution to the Pulwama martyrs was thoughtful and timely. Whenever there is a noteworthy cause, you’re the first to act by sending your contribution. Quite obviously, you’re deeply sensitive. Do these tragic events keep re-playing in your thoughts?

Yes, they do. As a citizen, I feel we should show our concern, and hope that many more follow suit.

Do you find media interactions tiresome? Is that why you prefer e-mailers?

Due to my busy schedules, I am unable to give time for personal meetings, so I prefer email queries. They give me the opportunity to reply at my own time and convenience.