To say that I was a squealing Chipmunk on the phone with Mr Senior Bachchan is a ridiccc understatement! I was fully giggling and repeatedly saying “Omgaah Mr Bachchan I’m so excited to speak with you! I just watched Baghban the other day like you are like amazinggggggggg”
I was so lucky to have the opportunity to chat with Big B about BHTB (obviiii), his acting preparation & being considered a G-O-D by his fans!
Check out the full transcript of our phone conversation (below)!
Honey: Good evening Mr Bachchan! How are you???
Big B: Hello evening, it is Amitabh Bachchan speaking. I am well, how are you?
H: I’m doing amaaaazing because I’m talking to you! Thank you so much for this opportunity!
Big B: You’re very welcome, Honey.
H: Mr Bachchan, I can’t stop obsessing over your look in BHTB!!! And the name! Your style is so cool and metrosexual. (insert continuous giggling)
Big B: Thank you. Well you see even the title is an off-the-cuff colloquial term primarily used in the Northern part. The title is just using it in a cheeky way.
H: That cheekiness is also a clear representation of the main character of the film aka yourself, Mr Bachchan?
Big B: Precisely because he [my character] is a 70 year-old ex-underworld criminal whose living in Paris and comes to Mumbai for one last mission. He dresses flamboyantly, has a past and is out there.
H: Mr Bachchan, the second you said “flamboyant” I was singing “Sexy Sam Sexy Sam” [from Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna]
Big B: (laughs) Sam was much more subdued , this gentleman is much more edgy, colourful and a bit angry.
H: Speaking of being angeroo, how do you feel about the whole parallel with the angry young man/angry old man?
Big B: They are both labels constructed by the media. Its not harmful and frankly no longer in my control. It is what it is.
H: Mr Bachchan, the catchphrase ”thoda action, thoda Jackson” has fully caught on and I’m so stoked that you’re back to singing/rapping in BHTB with Vishal & Shekhar. How was it jamming in the studio with them?
Big B: I’ve got a great relationship with Vishal & Shekhar. They’ve done great work with Abhishek so when they called me up, made me hear the music and wanted me to collaborate -- I was thrilled. Its fun, catchy and completely in-tune with my character’s mannerisms.
H: So Mr Bachchan, how do you usually prepare for a film role? Is it just natural spontaneity after so many years or meticulous preparation which is a part of your work ethic?
Big B: Well, its a bit of both. I always try to be mix the two together in everything I do, so even my spontaneous actions are well-prepared. Whether its just a song, supporting role or even a lead in a film such as this. One must always be rehearse, practice and come prepared. Always.
H: Mr Bachchan, how was it working with Mr Puri Jagannath? You mentioned that you loved Pokiri, was that how you got in touch with him?
Big B: I did watch Pokhiri and liked it alot but this was much before BHTB was even conceptualized. Actually it was Ram Gopal Varma who called me up and insisted I read this script and do the film. And when I finally did, I really liked it. Its a small budget film but I believe the its has a solid story with a great cast and crew.
H: Seeing as Mr Jagannath is a very prominent director from the South, was there any subtle differences between working with a director not from Mumbai?
Big B: To be respectful, all the crew whether from the North or South is respectful, very professional and know their work. Although I must say, down South they are very disciplined, immensely efficient and time-conscious. Another excellent trait is that they are very good with finances and being this is a small-budget project, that was very important.
H: Mr Bachchan, I was lucky enough to catch a screening of Shekhar Kapur’s Bollywood: A Greatest Love Story Ever Told and before the screening when Mr Kapur introduced it, he said the specific portion -- where you discuss that since 1982 every Sunday crowds of people wait outside your home to catch a glimpse of you -- is by far the most basic representation of the sheer cultural significance of Bollywood. How do you feel every Sunday morning?
Big B: I’m so extremely humbled whenever I go out every Sunday and see them at my gate. Its been almost 29 years since they’ve been doing it and really the little I can do is go out there, meet him, show them my face, shake hands and give them autographs. I still am so (pauses) grateful and just thankful.
H: Any last messages to your readers at TheDailyHoney.com, Mr Bachchan? (hyperventilating)
Big B: I’d like to say thank you to everyone. For watching my movies, liking them and I hope you’re as excited about the teasers as I am! Thank you for this interview and here’s hoping you go and see the film!
H: Thank you v much Mr Bachchan. Have a good night.
Big B: Good evening and take care.
