BIG B’S BACK IN ACTION

Amitabh Bachchan is known to have countless fans. They prayed for you as well when you were unwell. What would you like to tell them?

I am very grateful to my fans for having prayed for me. I have always maintained that people who watch my films have made me what I am today. They have created me and hence I shall constantly strive to live up to their expectations and keep doing good work so that I can repay them for all the love that they have showered upon me.

We see a very soft and worn out Bachchan during interviews. What is the reason for it? Where is the charm?

I normally do not talk much. I have always been like this. I do not make a huge exhibition of my feelings.

You did not want to do the Kajra Re song at all. How do you react to that song beating everything else in 2005?

It is quite strange. The song was composed by Shankar Ehsaan and Loy. I heard the song from Aditya Chopra who said that Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai would be there in the song and the three of us with some dancers will be dancing in that number. When I heard it first I wasn't convinced. I told Aditya that I would want time to listen to the song. I took my time but wasn't still convinced. It was then that Aditya told me to trust his instinct and just do the song. I did it and well, the rest is history.

2005 was a terrific year for you.

I think the films I did were appreciated a lot. Some did well too. Black got so much appreciation as well. Some roles like in Black and Viruddh seemed to have been written well for a man of my age. Baghbaan was also a similar role as is the one in Babul. Some filmmakers want to cast a man of my age in an important role along with the hot and happening youngsters. Waqt too did well and was appreciated by everyone.

What about 2006? Will it be Abhishek’s year?

I hope so. He has worked hard. This is the age for him to reap the benefits. I wish him all the best.

How happy are you with his progress?

As I said earlier, he is very talented. He wasn’t doing well earlier. Now everything he does seems to look good. It was the same earlier, but no one noticed. Now everyone is noticing Abhishek.

When are you returning to work?

Soon after I feel fit enough to do so.