Nope, I’m not talking about the respected Anna Hazareji. Nor am I talking about the respected dress designer Anna Singhji. I’m talking about Suneil Shetty who everybody lovingly calls ‘Anna’. And I’m talking about Jackie Shroff who lovingly calls everyone ‘Bhidu’. The reason why I’m talking about these two evergreen stars is because not many people know that they are chaddi-buddies. When Riteish and I invited them for our Diwali special episode of Yaaron Ki Baaraat, we anticipated a treat but not a super-treat which we got.

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Firstly, let me clear something. We often think that if two actors have worked in a few films together, they must be close friends. Not necessarily. These two are ample proof of the fact that you don’t have to work together to be besties. 

Arre, arre yaar, you must be thinking, ‘Yeh Sajid Khan apne show ko kyun plug kar raha hai?’ Iske bhi teen kaaran hain: 1st kaaran, I have forgotten, 2nd kaaran is not important aur teesra kaaran to aap jaante hi ho. 

What I realised when Anna and Bhidu came on the sets, was that there was unusual excitement and commotion. Right from youngsters, to studio staff, to light-men, to technical crew they were all not just starstruck, but also in awe. Being a filmy keeda, I analysed that the stars of the 80s and 90s have more impact than recent ones. And it’s got to do with their body of work in abundance. They say you’re a star when you connect with a rickshawallah.

I say when you connect with the guy who is hired by the rickshawallah to wash his rickshaw, you’re a superstar. 

Though most stars of the late ’80s haven’t had lead roles in recent years, their presence in public is more impactful than certain newer stars. It’s got to do with eyeball-memory connection. If you don’t believe me, do a test right now. I am assuming you have a set-top box connected to your TV. Scroll through the Hindi movies section. 

There will be minimum one movie playing of either Anil Kapoor, Sanjay Dutt, Sunny Deol, Jackie Shroff (in the ’80s), Salman, Shah Rukh, Aamir, Akshay Kumar, Ajay Devgn, Suneil Shetty (in the ’90s).  

This all-India lowest common denominator penetration is what makes them real stars. Even for five to 10-year-olds who never saw their initial films in theatres. Satellite keeps the legacy and the popularity going. But not out of obligation. These stars, movies play 24/7 round the year also because they rate high in recall.

Back to the show, well it’s to be seen to be believed. Anna is Jaggu Dada’s true Bhidu. And they both enjoyed themselves as much as the satisfied studio audience. So tune in this Diwali, as it’s Ritiesh and mine’s best gift to you. Happy Diwali!