Shoojit Sircar: Amitabh Bachchan selflessly appreciates creative work
3 min read
Amitabh Bachchan celebrates another birthday today and his frequent collaborator and good friend, Shoojit Sircar reveals why he respects and loves Mr Bachchan above everything else. This 2017 interview, culled out from a special Filmfare magazine issue dedicated to Amitabh Bachchan’s 75th birthday is unmissable and full of insight. Please do read…
My first memory of Mr Amitabh Bachchan is that of watching him in Yash Chopra’s Deewaar (1975) and then Satyajit Ray’s Shatranj Ke Khiladi (SKK, 1977). The way he stands for the labour class in Deewaar was so impressive. Even decades later, his performance continues to mesmerise. While Shatranj Ke Khiladi featured Sanjeev Kumar and Amjad Khan, Amitabhji’s voiceover in the period drama added so much gravitas to the film. I got an opportunity to meet him just after my directorial debut Yahaan (2005). Of course, I was nervous. I had gone to pitch a film called Shoebite to him. Ours was just a 15-minute meeting. Jaya Bachchanji stepped in for a bit and mentioned that she’d liked my film and that Amitji should listen to my script. Little did I know that I’d go on to do three films with him – Shoebite (not released yet), Piku and Pink. I deeply appreciate his sense of discipline. His method is a lesson in creativity. After working with him in Piku, Irrfan Khan once remarked, ‘Kisi ko agar acting ki process seekhni ho toh woh Mr Bachchan ke saath rehkar dekhe.
Just watch him!’ From the time, he walks in to the time it’s pack-up, he has nothing else on his mind other than the character he’s playing and the lines he has to deliver. What makes our bond strong is the fact that we enjoy creative discussion more than anything else. He believes the films I make are challenging and that goads me on. You develop a bond with like-minded people. For me, he’s like a 14-year-old boy, full of enthusiasm. If you have done something creatively satisfying, a film, a song or an ad and even if he has nothing to do with it, stay assured that a bouquet of flowers and a personal note will come to you. He selflessly appreciates creative work.
Initially, his energy and enthusiasm used to surprise me. But he has made it seem normal that at the age of 75, we should be working like this, with such zeal. It’s a joy meeting him even when we’re not working on a film or a commercial. You can just go to his van and he’s happy to share his thoughts on whatever he’s working on. The creative exchange is so meaningful. During such moments, he feels like a near and dear one… not a superstar! I enjoy this facet of him where he comes across as such a normal person and not as the superstar that he is. His comeback to movies is remarkable. He restarted his career at a different pitch altogether. He came from the era of ‘the angry young man’ and the singing-dancing superstar.
Then he began working with new directors. And he gelled with the new generation so well. Today his films are being appreciated not only by Indian audiences but also by those conversant with European cinema, Hollywood cinema and world cinema. Films like Piku, Pink, Sarkar, Black… are landmarks for the industry. I’d like to explore newer aspects of him as an actor through my films. We’re already working on a couple of things.Amitabh Bachchan and Shoojit Sircar’s fascinating creative synergy comes through in this throwback interview. Continue reading …Read More
