Amitabh Bachchan Movie Blog

Percept signs Big B for 'Johnny Walker'

2006-09-06T09:22:00.000-07:00

Percept Picture Company has announced its most ambitious and significant film JOHNNY WALKER, featuring Amitabh Bachchan as its lead protagonist. A relationship drama to be directed by Shoojit Sircar [YAHAAN], the script has been created and written by the in house team at P.P.C. and finally shaped by Renzil D'Silva, the writer of RANG DE BASANTI. In the script, the focal point of the film is Bachchan himself. Says Sircar, "JOHNNY WALKER is a love story that begins where most other love stories end. It's a film about love, regret and hope. Most of all it is a film about second chances." Bachchan sounds equally excited about JOHNNY WALKER, "I feel, JOHNNY WALKER has the potential to cut across global audiences. The final logistics are being worked on for the production of this film. A.B. Corp is also looking at the possibility of doing a joint venture with P.P.C. for this film." Adds Shailendra Singh, Jt. MD, Percept Holdings, "JOHNNY WALKER has the required emotion and drama where language will not be a barrier. We truly believe that JOHNNY WALKER is India's first cinema offering to the global entertainment consumer." Source: IndiaFM

‘Eklavya’ New Promo with ‘L.R.M.’

2006-08-31T08:11:00.000-07:00

Watch out for the new promo of Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s EKLAVYA before LAGE RAHO MUNNABHAI begins. The first promo of EKLAVYA was unveiled with PARINEETA and now, a brand new promo with super glimpses from this magnum opus, is unveiled with LAGE RAHO MUNNABHAI. Meanwhile, a star-studded premiere of LAGE RAHO MUNNABHAI is being held tonight at Fame Adlabs. It's going to be a gala event. Don’t miss it!

Amitabh Bachchan Speaks to Subhash K Jha

2006-08-28T07:15:00.000-07:00

How was the experience of working in a very unusual film called Nishabd? We finished our entire work in just twenty days. I've worked in schedules that are shorter. But yes, not when I'm the pivotal character. Amazing, how could such a complex film could be made in such a short span ? The director has to be very clear in his mind about what he wants and how to do it.. Ramu had the entire cast and crew tuned in to the project. All of us were taken to Munnar to work under very quiet working conditions. We were the only people around, no visitors. That peace of mind must have been wonderful for you. Yes , it was. There was not a single person around from outside the crew. That certainly enhanced the work atmosphere. It's not as if one can't work under pressure. But I wish we could work more often in the circumstances created in Munnar. It makes life a lot easier. We were doing at an average, 5-6 scenes a day. All credit to Ram Gopal Varma for thinking of this place and for his clarity of vision which saved us a lot of time. He knew exactly what he wanted…in his mind and on paper. The character of an autumnal man falling in love with a 18-year old is quite unique. I think it's quite marvelously conceived. I know there have speculations about the film's content. Those aware of the book and the film are expecting another Lolita. They think Ram Gopal Varma is exploiting the same values that are there in the original material. But you must appreciate the honesty of the filmmaker. Even when Ramu was doing Sarkar with me he was completely upfront about his intentions. He mentioned in the opening titles that he was inspired by The Godfather. Yet there was very little of Godfather in Sarkar. Likewise the source of Nishabd has been Lolita. But what he has done with it , you'll have to wait and see. Considering the sensitive nature of the theme did you approach your role with some trepidation? I've faith in Ram Gopal Varma. He's a very passionate filmmaker. He has an incredible memory for information on cinema. He can rattle off dates and names for films at random. He's alert to every detail to every detail on filmmaking. The whole film is ready and edited in his mind when he comes on the sets. While doing one shot he'd think it would be appropriate for another shot. He'd quickly ask us to do a dress change and take the shot. Still there had some kind of apprehension about the territory you were going into? Well yes. Knowing the kind of social taboos and norms we live with, thinking of Lolita did seem alarming. I was a little disbelieving when Ramu suggested it to me. When I read the script and saw his treatment of the script I knew there was nothing to fear. Ramu is a serious filmmaker. And we must credit him with a fair amount of aesthetic sense. How was your costar Jiya? She's very good! You can't believe this is her first time. She was very relaxed and natural. Was she nervous of you? I don't notice these things. I just play my character. They were all very relaxed. It was wonderful to have Revathi play my wife. We were last seen together on Romesh Sharma's film Dil Jo Bhi Kahey. With a restricted number of characters in a secluded area we worked well together. That part of Kerala(Munnar) is very beautiful. I think Ramu wanted that kind of look. The kind of colour code used in Nishabd is unique. Another young girl Shraddha was working with Ramu for the first time. Just having all those youngsters around is such a learning experience. I'm sure they learn a lot from you. They don't learn from me. I learn from them. And now you're starting Sholay with Ramu? Yes. I need to sit with Ramu. He has told me what he has in mind. We need to discuss the nitty-gritty. Playing Gabbar Singh is so tricky considering where Amjad Khan took the role in the original. I'd do it exactly the way Ramu tells me to. As a creative professional I must not have qualms about doing a role that's been done before. If we've decided to make Sholay we should go about it in a professional manner. Your next release? Well an old commitment Zamaanat for a dear friend producer S. Ramanathan is being released. Abhishek has gone from strength to strength… Not many young actors get contrasting opportunities like Sarkar and KANK in such a short span of time.It's wonderful that Abhishek got it.. But somewhere it also it shows the confidence of the respective makers in the actor.Two different directors from two different schools and ideologies seeing something different in the same actor..and then going ahead to manifest this difference on screen….it speaks volumes about their perception too...and if the actor delivers...and I pray that he does..then it speaks volumes on the capability of the actor as well. You sound very emotional. For Abhishek who was loaded with expectations and crushed under the burden of successive failures, to suddenly find himself as the chosen one, is God's benevolence and the incumbent vagaries of this profession.. My assessment of him as a performer will always be somewhat harsh, but if you want to hear something quotable, here goes …..the projectionist at the laboratory where the prints of Sarkar were being checked , after viewing the film , said 'Aisee picture to maine pehle kabhi dekha nahin...Amitabh Bachchan aur Abhishek Bachchan ka acting dekhne ke baad, yeh maloom nahin ki kaun kiska baap hai !!' Amitji, you were recently caught in a flurry of tax controversies. Did they weigh on your mind? There is no controversy, no weight on my mind, no unnecessary badgering and no annoyance from any quarter. Remember always. Two things are a constant in life - death and income tax!! The department has a job to do and they do it efficiently. The Income tax is an exemplary organisation and I have the greatest respect for it, as does the rest of the nation. Rest assured, if you do wrong you will not be spared, irrespective of who you are. And if you do right, no one shall be able to touch you irrespective of who you are. Your fans took to the streets protesting against your tax badgering? I am not, and shall never be a part of any of the so called demonstrations and reactions that one witnessed during this issue. Fans have peculiar ways of expressing their affection. They can build temples in your name and take to the streets as well. We have no control over them. Not being allowed to go and see a particular film repeatedly, provokes a fan, quite unnecessarily, to commit suicide. There are all kinds of people. We have no control over them. I believe I am an honest law- abiding citizen of this country. Last year I was declared by the department as the highest individual tax payer in the country. I pay my taxes on time, I respond to all their queries in time and if, as per law, I have the liberty to question a demand made by them, I question them on time. I visit the department on occasion, because the notice by them desires personal presence. And even if I have an option of representation, I like to go and get first -hand information. Nobody is going to stop me from doing that. And the department is not so stupid to get influenced by my presence. The law of the land has no space for exception. Amitji, what was this ridiculous controversy over the sunglasses ? Ask the people who perpetrated it. I did not. The de Montford university at Leicester has conferred a doctorate on you. How does Dr Bachchan sound to you? 'Dr Bachchan' was my father ! A Ph.D in English Literature from Cambridge, on WB Yeats and Occultism , in 1954, perhaps the first Indian to get this distinction from that University. That achievement shall remain embedded in me always. None of my achievements, honors and degrees can and will ever match that. The Jhansi University conferred a doctorate on me the year before last, De Montford does one this month and at the end of the year the Delhi University wishes an honorary doctorate for me too. I am of course overwhelmed and deeply humbled by this recognition and I express my extreme gratitude to each of these prestigious institutions, but truly feel unworthy of them. My contribution, if at all there is any, shall always pale in front of my father's . You come from a family with an acute literary/ scholarly bent of mind. How much of an academic are you at heart? Do you get time to read a lot? Who are your favourite authors? I am an acute failure in this department, as I am in various others. I am a graduate in science and have lived and been brought up in an atmosphere of poetry and literature and academics due to my father. Whatever I have, which isn't much really, is all that I have imbibed or accumulated because of my proximity to my parents. There has not been any concerted effort to follow or pursue academics. There is a deep desire to do so. But how and when, I just do not know. You're just being your over-modest self. I'm serious. The genes reflect in the progeny. My niece, Nilima Bachchan, Ajitabh's eldest, has just done a PhD in Aeronautical Engineering from UK. If there is a genuine Dr Bachchan after my father it is her. My other niece, Namrata is a painter and writer. My daughter Shweta, is a voracious reader and a great mind. From our side of the family she is perhaps the only informal academic. But I get no time to read. I collect the latest books and browse through them and store them for a rainy day, hoping that they shall give me company when I am confined to a chair or a bed. But I am a bad reader. I am presently content with my fathers books and his wisdom. Do you think formal education is a necessary qualification for an actor? You've been to college. Mr Dilip Kumar hasn't. I think a formal education is necessary for an individual pursuing any vocation. Formal education just does not bring in academic knowledge. It brings with it curriculum, discipline, forebearence, competitiveness, understanding, vision and so many other qualities that are so essential for everyday existence in a normal society. My days in college may not have a direct reflection on my present profession. But I cannot wish away the other aspects of its benefits to me as an individual. An actor's performance will always betray his inner build -up as a human. Dilip Saab may not have gone to college. But can you really doubt the reflection of the quality of his inner self in his performances. That he developed these qualities independently and not through an educational institution, gives so much more credence to his unassailable genius. How much did you stress on Abhishek and Shweta's education? We stressed a lot. But in the end our bottom line was, educate yourself yes, but educate yourself to be a good human first. Mumbai was recently rain-deluged again. Was it a trying time for you and your family? The rain played its part again. Perhaps not as severely as last year but bad enough. There were moments of anxiety and stress. But some initial preparedness helped in tiding over some of the negatives. At the end of the day it all boils down to natures vagaries. You cannot battle it. I have seen even in the most affluent and developed countries, systems crashing and cities coming to a complete halt with a tenth of Nature'a fury that Mumbai goes through during the monsoons. From Rang De Basanti to Krissh to Corporate...2006 is an exceptional year for Hindi cinema. Yes… An exceptional year for the film industry..and we are not done yet. Hoping and praying that the rest of 2006 is equally if not more exceptional.. I believe you were mentioned in British parliament? Yes, the ceremony and occasion apart, what was most breathtaking was the mention in the annals of British Parliament and therefore in British History, acknowledging my contribution through a motion passed on the floor of the House of Commons, and to top it all, a confirmation of it by the Leader of the House, Jack Straw in the august premises, during the days' proceedings, as I sat in the gallery witnessing all this. What followed thereafter were personal meetings, with almost half the cabinet, including Foreign Affairs Secretary Margaret Beckett, now very much in the news on Lebanon, and her great desire to seek autographs from me for the Indian staff working in her office, or else she would have 'a heavy price to pay'. Wasn't there a fun-raising dinner for Mumbai's blast victims? The next day a dinner was held in my honour in the House of Commons for over 200 and it was most gratifying for me to, have turned the event at my insistence, to raise funds for the victims of the Mumbai Blasts. And may I add that the two largest donors were from Pakistan. Spontaneously, we raised approx Pounds Sterling 26,000 and my dear friend and younger brother Amar Singhji, who had accompanied me, matched the entire amount to make it 50,000. How will you make sure the money reaches the victims? We are going to distribute this personally to the victims as soon as we can obtain relevant legal permissions from the Government to bring this amount in. Rt Hon Keith Vaz MP, my friend and host will be writing to the concerned authorities, for clearances. So a pleasurable experience? Yes, I must tell you meeting the community in Leicester was another high. The affection and the love of the people never ceases to amaze me, and I thank them from the bottom of my heart. At the end of it all, I respect the University for this recognition, but 'Dr Bachchan' is a term that shall remain always with the memory of my father. He was the true bearer of this title. I would never ever acknowledge the 'use' of this abbreviation before my name. Did you give a speech? Yes I did. It was part of the protocol and a meticulously designed formal procedure. Were you accompanied by family ? No. Jaya had to be in Mumbai to be with my ailing mother, now hospitalised, and also to be present a day before in Parliament for her swearing in. Abhishek was in South Africa shooting for Dhoom 2. But, the family was more than ably represented by Amar Singhji. Were you also there for a shooting? I was shooting for 'Baabul', left for Mumbai and connected to Delhi the next morning, witnessed the swearing in, came back to Mumbai by the evening and at night took the flight back to London to resume shooting the following morning. I returned early this morning and am on set of Baabul as I speak to you. BAFTA held a Bollywood Weekend recently. Why weren't you there? BAFTA is the British Academy of Film Theatre and Arts... I presume..or something similar... It is NOT... the BRITISH ACADEMY FOR TRIVIAL AMITABH !! Kabhi Alvidaa Na Kehna casts you in an avatar never seen before. A happy-go-lucky Lothario, open- minded and honest about his activities, even though they are below the belt – and the pun is intended !! But, also, as the senior- most character in the film, he bears a certain responsibility of guiding and monitoring others who seem to be drifting in the wrong direction . My character's ability to judge and advise in moments of extreme sensitivity are perhaps the crux of what the film deep down intends to convey .If a marriage is not working out, it is better to walk away from it, rather than continue just because society and tradition so dictates . Why suffer the pain anguish and incompatibility by remaining with it? Quite a novel character for you? Yes.. .it is new for me. A fun- loving skirt- chaser. Good humoured. Living thus, because he has been permitted to do so, in an abstract sort of way, but has his moments of softness, which hopefully will redeem his otherwise -flamboyant and somewhat frivolous nature. You once described your character as a 'colourful old man'. How colourful ? It's not all colour . There are at end of it all, portions which are black and white as well ! How do you see KANK at the box-office? It is going to be huge.The detailing is flawless. The screen-play and dialogue have panache and finesse. The performances from all his artists are without error and the way Karan has put all this together is a marvel. Did you miss Jaya in KANK? There was no space for Jaya in this film. And I personally feel she would not have wanted to be in it either, because there was nothing for her to do. There was no role in the film where you could have said, 'This should have been done by Jaya' . On the contrary, she was very apprehensive about my role and felt I should not be accepting it. After the trial I have not ascertained from her, whether her apprehensions were justified or not. Karan missed her throughout the film. Karan misses her as not just another member of the cast. Let me tell you she spent a large number of days with us on location and even visited the sets, here in Mumbai. She never does that for any of my other films. Which really speaks a lot about her relationship with the Johar family, a family she treats as her own. As do all of us. How different is Karan's approach to filmmaking this time as compared with K3G? His approach is no different from K3G, I believe, or indeed, from any of his other films. He is well- planned and crystal -clear about what he wants. On occasion, and these are few and far, when you surprise him with something not pre-planned, he will ponder for long on why he didn't think of it earlier. That is, if he decides to accept your suggestion. Karan says he was playing to the galleries in K3G, not in KANK. Do you agree? The galleries haven't opened yet, so I cannot say. But he has greater knowledge of them and is far more accomplished to make such an observation. How was the camaraderie in NY with the entire cast? Damn good !! It was a picnic !! Abhishek plays your son again. How different is this father-son relationship from the one in Sarkar? In both we are father and son on the same side of the fence. Sarkar was intense and dramatic, KANK is light- hearted and friendly, wram and open. In the former father and son shared the grim intricacies of the system, falling victims to it and surviving. Here we share intricacies, perhaps frivolous and risqué in content. But the affection, emotion and love are all-pervasive . And yes we still survive. Well..almost !! Describe your interaction with Shah Rukh, Rani and Preity. We were a happy, fun- loving, pulling each other's legs, intensely mad and grossly misbehaved group of wannabe's on the set. But... when the camera went on...we continued to be the same!! In some ways KANK has been a truly stressful experience for you. You fell ill, had to postpone schedules. Good memories or bad memories of KANK? C'est la vie..!! That's life , baby! You come across all kinds of situations. The important thing is how you face or cope with them. I would like to believe we faced them well. There was never a stressful moment during the making of KANK. And if there was, we never came to know of it, or were ever made aware of. That is why Dharma Productions and Karan Johar are by far the best Production House and Producer that I have worked with. In fact we were all thoroughly spoilt, by Karan's generosity. His excessive spending would most certainly have raised Yashji's (Karan's father, Yash Johar ) eyebrows several times. The film is about fidelity and trust in a marriage. How important do you personally think these qualities are to a marriage? They are the foundation of all associations.

Everyone loves Sexy Sam

2006-08-27T17:55:00.000-07:00

His portrayal of the 'sexy' and 'young-at-heart' sexagenarian Sam in Karan Johar's 'Kabhi Alvida na Kehna', who believes in living life to the fullest and wears his heart on his sleeves has endeared him to the audiences across the country and abroad. At a time, when most of his contemporaries in the film Industry like Dharmender, Shatrughan Sinha or Vinod Khanna have either gone into semi-retirement or seen largely in grandfatherly roles in films, it seems life on celluloid has just begun for Amitabh Bachchan. His portrayal of Sam in 'Kabhi Alvida na Kehna' has been hailed by critics as unique in the history of Indian cinema with the youthful fervour and vibrancy infused into the character by the Bollywood superstar. Trade analysts say audiences have fallen in love with the character of Sam played by Mr Bachchan who on the one hand, comes across as an incorrigible flirt while on the other he is also seen as an intensely emotional father whose heart bleeds when he sees his son's marriage breaking apart. Critics feel the beautiful combination of joviality and frivolity with pathos in Big B's portrayal of Sam's character puts him in the league of the best of Hollywood actors. His 'below-the-belt' comments in the film in presence of his son kept audiences, specially in the cities, laughing in the ailes, providing the much-needed comic relief in the otherwise serious film. At the same time, his emotional scenes like the one where he feels crestfallen seeing his son's marriage break apart and the scene after the 'Rock and Roll Soniye' song where he suddenly gets emotional on watching his son and daughter-in-law (Rani Mukherjee) fighting make the audience's relate with character. Observers say Amitabh's portrayal of the character of Sam in 'Kabhi Alvida na Kehna' is first of its kind in the history of Bollywood. In fact, Shahrukh Khan is said to have commented recently that he wished he would also get to play a character like Sam when he is 60. In fact, they say that of all the characters in the film, Amitabh's is the most endearing, apart from that of Abhishek Bachchan. Source: Santabanta

"Big B is an institution" - Ravi Kissen

2006-08-25T18:05:00.000-07:00

Team of Bhojpuri film 'Ganga' is elated. And why not since 'Ganga' starring Amitabh Bachchan in a pivotal role is ready for release and is touted to change the face of Bhojpuri film industry. The film stars Ravi Kissen, Manoj Tiwari and Nagma in principal roles while Amitabh Bachchan and Hema Malini [who play a couple once again after 'Baghban'] top the starcast. This is what Ravi Kissen, who has worked with Big B for the first time, has to say about him - "He is a God and hence I can't call him by his name. But what he has done for the Bhojpuri film industry is something that has been unprecedented. Our industry is anyways going through its best phase ever but when he agrees to be a part of the film, it takes it to a different level altogether. For all of us, he is not just an actor, he is an institution in himself." Nagma extended on the common feeling by saying, "I have worked with Amitji earlier too ['Lal Baadshah' and 'Ab Tumhare Hawale Watan Saathiyon'] but every time you come along with him, there is something new to learn. It has indeed been an honor to be a part of a project like this." Readers may remember that this is the first film for which Big B faced camera after his sudden illness last winter. He plays the role of a 'thakur', a family patriarch while Hema Malini is a 'thakurain'. Produced by Big B's makeup man Deepak Sawant and directed by Abhishek Chadda, 'Ganga' should be releasing soon at theatres all over and is expected to arrive amidst big fanfare. Source: Indiaglitz

Sujoy Ghosh to direct Big B for Rohan Sippy

2006-08-20T05:01:00.000-07:00

His last film HOME DELIVERY fell short of box-office expectations but that hasn't deterred Sujoy Ghosh from realizing his dream of working with the Big B. In an interesting development, producer Rohan Sippy has signed Sujoy Ghosh to direct a film, which will have Bachchan playing the central character. Sippy admits to being totally excited with Sujoy's script, which made him take a quick decision on the project. "Sujoy approached me with the script and I found it very impressive. That was one of the main criteria that led me to go ahead and confirm the project on a priority basis. Mr. Bachchan has already confirmed his presence in the film and we are currently finalizing the rest of the cast," Sippy confirms. He adds that Sujoy will have all the creative freedom to pursue the project exactly the way he has perceived it. If anything, the response to his last film was not an influencing factor in his decision. "It is entirely Sujoy's baby and he is free to explore it exactly the way he wants to. I judge the quality of an individual by his creative intensity more than anything else. I don't go by simplistic assessments of what worked and what did not work at the box-office," he reveals. Two years ago, Sujoy had expressed a keen desire to work with the Big B in a film titled BORIVALI. In fact, Bachchan had even given his nod for the project, which was to co-star Naseeruddin Shah in the parallel lead, but the idea of making the film was subsequently postponed. Is Sippy's film an extension of BORIVALI? "No way. It is a totally new script and an absolutely brilliant one at that. Actually, it is a family film, which people of all genres can identify with," Rohan Sippy reveals. The film is scheduled to go on the floors once the cast is finalized. Will it also star the junior Bachchan, considering that any film that Rohan Sippy makes is incomplete without Abhishek in it? "It may star Abhishek but right now it is too premature to comment on the cast of the film," he maintains. Source: GlamSham

19-year-old Jiah Khan have fallen in love with Amitabh Bachchan

2006-08-19T02:39:00.000-07:00

19-year-old Jiah Khan, co-star of Amitabh Bachchan in 'Nishabd' have fallen in love with him. She says, "It's a beautiful world I have created. He is the most charming man I have ever met in my life. But he is married! I have never admitted my feeling to anybody. Mr. Bachchan makes me laugh. He is everything that I wish for in a guy. Intelligent, humorous, magnetic and protective...." Now, with the shooting over she part ways with her favorite man and get sad. She adds, "Now, I'm writing a letter to him, expressing whatever I felt." Source: Bollywood Premiere

Big B versus Big B

2006-08-17T06:48:00.000-07:00

By Taran Adarsh, IndiaFM Two Bachchan Sr. starrers are expected to clash on December 8: EKLAVYA – THE ROYAL GUARD and BAABUL. Initially, the producer of EKLAVYA, Vidhu Vinod Chopra, had zeroed in on the date, but Ravi Chopra too has confirmed December 8 for BAABUL. Will two Bachchan starrers make it on one Friday, like it happened in the past [KHAKEE and AETBAAR opened on the same date]? Incidentally, two weeks later [December 22], Mani Ratnam’s Abhishek Bachchan starrer GURU is expected to hit the screens. December is crucial for the Bachchans, what say?

Big B/AB - A brand to reckon with

2006-08-16T01:37:00.000-07:00

Joginder Tuteja, IndiaGlitz Has the coming together of Big B and son AB become a brand? Looking at the box office outcome of the three films where they have acted together, it certainly seems to the case. Their first time coming together in 'Bunty Aur Babli' last year created a storm and brought the movie to the second biggest hit of the year after 'No Entry'. Immense curiosity and hype about the film reached a turning point when they were actually cast as father and son in Ram Gopal Verma's homage to 'Godfather' - 'Sarkar'! The 'chemistry', if one can call it that way, was phenomenal to say the least in 'Sarkar'. With two successes in hand, it was but natural to see more of the pairing in the coming months. Karan Johar jumped on the very idea of it and cast the two together in 'Kabhi Alvida Ne Kehna'. No wonder the story of a party-lover boy with an equally colorful father to boast was a draw that none could resist. Since there are all indications that KANK would turn out to be yet another BIG success story of 2006, it marks the hat-trick of winners for the father-son duo hence establishing them as the MOST reliable brand!

Amitabh Bachchan still dominates Karachi streets

2006-08-13T00:02:00.000-07:00

ApunkaChoice Bollywood mega superstar Amitabh Bachchan continued to dominate the streets of Karachi today. That was despite the city government's orders for removal of billboards showing him in front of a Pakistani flag, as new hoardings came up with the star's image against a green background. The publicity wing of Telefun, a private call-in entertainment company, while complying with the government's instructions, has placed new billboards and posters on all the major city streets showing Bachchan against a green background. Telefun is using Bachchan's image as part of their efforts to promote their call-in programmes and quizzes. However, authorities here took objection to posters showing Bachchan in front of a Pakistani flag and ordered their removal. "The city government's (initial) objection was justified and we understand their position. Now we have replaced the Pakistani flag with a green background to which the local administration should not have any objections," a spokesman of Telefun said today. Interestingly, Bachchan, who is immensely popular in Pakistan, has not been signed by Telefun nor he would be making any guest appearance in any of its shows. More than 2,500 billboards and banners of all sizes are installed at all the major roads of the city to promote Telefun's new show that would be launched on August 14 -- Pakistan's independence day. Local Radio FM 106.2 last month started its new series by the name of legends, focusing on the achievements, interviews and careers of Indian filmstars. Bachchan was the first to be heard on the channel that drew tremendous response. "We received tremendous response from the public. We have played Bachchan's interview more than a dozen times on the request of the listeners," a channel spokesman said.

Bachchan poster banned in Karachi

2006-08-12T03:59:00.000-07:00

The poster is an advert for a telephone quiz contest based on the Who Wants to be a Millionaire? programme that Bachchan used to host in India.

The contest is due to start on Monday, Pakistan's Independence Day.

Bachchan's picture alongside the flag was an "objectionable act", a Karachi official told the Reuters news agency.

A place alongside the flag "is reserved only for our own heroes," Mirza Asif Baig told Reuters.

'A mistake'

The phone quiz is organised by a company called Telefun.

Telefun's marketing manager, Abdul Qadir, says it will comply with the ban.

"We have already started disassociating Bachchan's picture from the national flag," Mr Qadir told Reuters. "It was a mistake."

Bachchan was not involved in the Telefun contest.

Who Wants to be a Millionaire? was dropped in India in January after Bachchan fell ill and needed abdominal surgery.

Big B-SRK, No cold vibes

2006-08-05T06:18:00.000-07:00

By Subhash K Jha After the first full screening of Kabhi Alvidaa Na Kehna July 30, the anxious and nervous Karan Johar had an unexpected surprise. He received a bouquet and a letter from AB. The letter, as beautifully lucidly and crisply worded as only Mr Bachchan knows how to be, occupies a pride of place on Karan's office. Says Mr Bachchan, "Yes, After seeing the film I did send a bouquet and a letter to Karan….And not just to Karan but also to Shah Rukh and Abhishek . Why not?! Their work is exemplary. I think KANK is Karan Johar's finest work. A difficult and very mature subject--certainly so for Indian audiences- handled and put together with the dexterity of a master. Proving once and for all, that behind Karan's trendy designer clothes and stubble, there lurks a balanced sensitive and an extremely intelligent maker. One that has not compromised with any aspect of commercial Indian escapist cinema and yet succeeded in leaving something to think about as you drive home from the theatre." Says the overwhelmed director, "I was very moved by Amit Uncle's gesture. I've always treasured his praise. When Amit Uncle says something complimentary you know you're being complimented by one of the highest authorities on Indian cinema. Shah Rukh who in a way launched me, and Aditya Chopra who has taught me filmmaking, all have a high opinion of KANK. I was an assistant to Adi and his opinion matters a lot. I remain his assistant at heart. For me he's like the ISI stamp." Karan is certainly enthused by the response he got from his cast and crew that evening. "The feedback was very encouraging. Of course since it was a cast-and-crew screening everyone wanted to love the film. It was a minor hurdle, and I think I crossed it." Then Karan gets his anxiety pangs again. "Not that the private screening means anything in the larger interest. And yes, like all directors I'd say I can change a few things in KANK, but I can't. Anyway it's done now. The verdict will be out on August 11. I was fascinated by this subject. My writer Shibani Bathija's narrative work is exceptional. Earlier she wrote a wonderful story in Fanaah. I think Fanaah was beautifully directed by Kunal Kohli. I hope KANK carries forward the roster of hits this year."

AMITABH BACHCHAN BIOGRAPHY

2006-08-05T06:16:00.001-07:00

Amitabh Bachchan Born in October of 1942 when the British rule was beginning to lose power, Amitabh Bachchan is close to completing 60 years of a lifetime. Not interested in films at first, he joined the industry in 1969 with Saat Hindustani. He also became Bollywood’s first action man with Zanjeer in 1973. Then, he was known as "the angry young man" after that movie. This movie gave him acclaim and made him a superstar. He started doing such roles in a time whether other superstars such as Shashi Kapoor, Dharmendra, and Rajesh Khanna were attached to romantic roles. He then starred in Deewar with the yesteryear heart-throb Shashi Kapoor. This went on to become a super hit. He already had eleven films completed by end of 1972. His popularity rose when he won the Best Supporting Actor award for his film Anand in 1971 and then again for the film Namak Haram in 1973. He also did win Most Promosing Newcomer for Saat Hindustani but that wasn’t a very prestigious award at the time. Many people also felt that he should have won best actor for Zanjeer but unfortunately he was unable to walk away with the award. In a stardust interview he talks about his childhood and how he was a shy kid and how his father, the great poet Harisvansh Rai Bhachan helped him overcome this, which he says is one of the reasons of his success of his films. He is married to another star in the industry, Jaya Bachan, whom he met during the shooting for Guddi. He also has two children, daughter Shweta Bachan and son Abhishek Bachchan; who has followed into his father footsteps. The mid-late 70’s was when Amitabh really starting rolling in the hits, especially in 1975 where he released an amazing seven films, none of which flopped. One of these films was Chupke Chupke, which became an eventual super-hit, and proved his flair for comedy roles as well. His next release was the unforgettable Dewar, which became an all-time hit. His next film needs no introduction, as Sholay went on to become a true classic, a movie which people still talk about today. His later releases in the late 70’s were classics such as Amar Akbar Anthony, Kabhi Kabhi, Don, and Trishul. He worked with yerter year stars such as Shashi Kapoor, Jaya Badhuri, Dharmendra, and Vinod Khanna and got a chance to prove his worth working alongside them. People then thought that he wouldn’t be able to cope working with such stars, but not only has he proven them wrong he has overtaken their status. By the time the 80’s rolled around people had already claimed Amitabh Bachchan the king of Bollywood, overtaking stars such as Shashi Kapoor and the evergreen Raj Kapoor.

He had released an incredible forty-eight movies since 1969-1979, only of which nine did less than average business. In today’s terms any actor would love to have that kind of luck. His luck didn’t dwindle when the 80’s started as his first movie of the new decade Barsaat Ki Ek Raat became a hit, and his success continued with films such as Dostana, Shaan, Laawaris, Silsia and Naseeb, all of became super-hits. His first flop of the decade came in 1988 with Ganga Januma Saraswati. Until then he had released thirty movies, all of which became either hits or super-hits. It was after that movie that people thought he time had run out, as he had four consecutive flops. By the time our generation rolled around, the 90’s; Amitabh Bachchan had become popular worldwide, by Indians and other cultures. After his four consecutive flops in the late 80’s Mr. Bachchan rolled back with Aaj Ka Arjun and Agneepath.

Still, one could see his career was finally fading away after more than twenty years in the industry. He had started making only a couple of movies annually instead of the five-six he was used to doing. His next big hit came with Hum, as he had started to play the roles of elderly people. He wasn’t the same charismatic youth he used to be. Nevertheless, Amitabh Bachchan remained Amitabh Bachchan. He proved that he was still human as he had another downhill slide when Insaniyaat and Mrityudaata flopped. But like all actors he jumped back with commission earner Major Saab and starred in the comedy Bade Miyan Chote Miyan which went on to become a hit. 1999 was a bad year for him as Sooryavansham, Lal Badshaah, Hindustan Ki Kasam, and Kohram all flopped. People had started to assume that the Big B had finally given out and his time was over. Only Amitbah Bachan knew the truth. His next film in the new century Mohabbatein became a super hit, as did his next release Ek Rishtaa. People will say that his latest release Aks was a flop, but his acting proved his capabilities.

Nearing the age of sixty, Amitabh Bachchan is the only actor of the older generation that can still light up the big screen. His big release Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham went out to become a Blockbuster of the year 2002. Besides that he has another five-six films lined up for release within the next two years, all of them which show Amitabh Bachchan’s variety of capabilities. Last year he was voted most popular icon internationally by the BBC poll and had his own wax statue erected in the famous wax statue in London . Many fans consider his films a religion and he has been able to thrive on it. No one knows when Amitabh Bachchan plans on quitting films, but can be sure to go out with a bang.

AMITABH BACHCHAN LIKES AND DISLIKES

2006-08-05T06:16:00.000-07:00

Sun Sign: Libra Pet Name: Amit Plus Point: (modestly) I have none Minus Point: Several. My face, My height Strength: The love of my fans and affection of my parents My biggest fear: Not living up to the expectations of people and my fans Languages known: Hindi, English and a bit of Punjabi Hindi Weakness: My family Favourite Perfume: It keeps changing. I use whatever is find on the dressing table Favourite Holiday Spot: Haven't had a holiday for a long time. I'd prefer where nobody will recognise me Favourite Food: Indian vegetarian food Favourite Websites: Don't surf too much. I just use yahoo for e-mails Philosophy of life: If things happen as you wish it's good, if they do not it's better Something about yourself that you would like to change: I don't think I would like to change anything Dream Role: Every actor wants to look for something new in their horizon. When it comes true it becomes a dream role Favourite film: Ganga Jamuna and Pyaasa Best compliment paid by a woman: It doesn't come very often Turn on in a woman: It's too personal! Turn off in a woman: That's also too personal!

FAMOUS DIALOGUES

2006-08-05T06:15:00.000-07:00

"Aisa to Aadmi Life mein Doich time bhaagta hai. Olympic ka race ho, yaa Police ka case ho. Tum kisliye bhaagta hai bhai?" -Amar Akbar Anthony "Yeh koylei ki khaan ek azgar hai seth sahaab, jo roz , unginath logon ko nigalkar, usei peeskar, jissm se khoon ka ek-ek katra choosk ar, ek lash ke roop mein ugall deta hai." -Kaala Paththar "Govardhan seth, Samundar mein tairne waale- kouon aur taalabon mein dubki nahin lagaya karte hain." -Sharabi "Sahi baat sahi waqt pe kiya jaye to uska maza hi kuch aur hai, Aur main sahi waqt ka intezaar karta hoon." -Trishul "Jisne pachchees saal se apni Maa ko thoda thoda marte dekha ho, use maut se kya dar." -Trishul "Jigar ka dard upar se kahin maloom hota hai (?), Jigar ka dard upar se nahin maloom hota hai." -Sharabi "Muchain hon to Nathulal jaise hon, warna na hon." -Sharabi "Govardhan seth, Samundar mein tairne waale- kuon aur taalabon mein dubki nahin lagaya karte hain." -Sharabi "Sapne bhi samundar ki lahron ki tarah, haqeeqat ki chattanon se takra kar toot jaate hain." -Deewar "Hum jaha pe khade ho jaate hein, line wahi se shuru hoti hai." -Kaaliya "Rishte me to hum tumhare baap hote hain, naam hai Shahenshah." -Shahenshah "Bachpan se hai sar par Allah ka haath, aur Allahrakha hai mere saath; Baazu par hai saathsochiyaasi ka billa, bees number ka beedi peetha hu, kaam karta hu coolie ka aur naam hai Iqbal." -Coolie "Aaap ne jail ki deewaron aur zanjeeron ka loha dekha hai jailer sahab, Kaaliya ki himmat ka faulaad nahi dekha." -Kaaliya "Don ko pakadna mushkil hi nahin, naamumkin hai." -Don "Agar apni maa ka doodh piya hai to saamne aa." -Laawaris "Tumhara naam kya hai, Basanti?" -Sholay "Daaru peene se liver kharab ho jaatha hai." -Satte pe Satta "Eh Caancha, saala bandook bhi dikhata hai aur peeche bhi hattha hai?" -Agneepath "Lekin woh aayee kyon nahin?" -Naseeb "Mukhtaar Singh ka naam suna hai?" - Kaalia "Mai aur meri tanhaai - aksar ye baatein karte hai.... " -Silsila "Mai jo bhi hoon, is wakt tumhare maalik ka maalik hoon bete." -Shakti "Pain is my destiny and I can't avoid it." -Kaala Patthar "Mai feke hue paise ko nahi uthatha." -Deewar "Jo mard hota hai, use dard nahi hota." -Mard "Ye telephone bhi ajeeb cheez hai- aadmi sochta kuch hai, boltha kuch hai, aur karta kuch hai." -Agneepath "Zindagi ka tambu teen bambuo pe khada hai." -Sharaabi "Sooryavansh ek aag hai jisme doston ke liye jitni joyti hai, dushmanon ke liye utni hi juala. Bhoon dalo is kambaqt ko." -Sooryavansham

Amitabh Bachchan Profile

2006-08-05T06:14:00.000-07:00

Full Name: Amitabh Bachchan Nick Name: "Amitji", "Big B" Profession: Actor Star Sign: Libra DOB: 1942, October 11th Place of Birth: Alahabad, India Height:6'3" Eyes: Black Hair: Black Family: Wife Jaya Bachchan, two children Shweta and Abhishek Awards: Best supporting actor Anand in year 1972 Namak Haram in year 1974 Mohabbatein in year 2000 Best Actor Amar Akbar Anthony in year 1978 Don in year 1979 Hum in year 1992 Critics Award for Best Actor for Aks in year 2002 Address: Pratiksha, 10th Road JVPD Scheme Mumbai 400 049, INDIA Famous For: His great acting and personality, and for giving us such super hits like Deewar, Suhaag, Muqaddar Ka Sikander, etc. First bollywood action hero. Did you know? Amitabh almost died from an accident during the shooting of his movie "Coolie". Latest Dialogue: "Sooryavansh ek aag hai jisme doston ke liye jitni joyti hai, dushmanon ke liye utni hi juala. Bhoon dalo is kambaqt ko." -Sooryavansham Funniest Role: In Namak Halal, where he says, "I can talk in english, i can walk in english, i can run in english....because english is a phunny language". Most Serious Role(s):: He is known for serious roles angry man role, but a few unforgettable ones are from Aaj ka Arjun, Aakhri Rasta, Deewar, and recently Sooryavansham. Best Scenes: 1) Having an aquarium in hand and suddenly he gets a tumor attack and the way he performed that scene is worth watching and thaawa tching and thats what only Amitabh could do it. 2) Sharabi scene from Amar Akber Anthony, where he immitated himself in the mirror. 3) His Introduction in Mohabbateinas Narayan Shankar. 4) In K3G where he breaks out at the end, he turns around with his eyes red apologizing to his sons.

Big B’s French connection

2006-08-01T07:05:00.000-07:00

By IndiaFM Luc Jacquet’s March of the Penguins, based on displaced penguins from the Antartica will see an August end release in India. Amitabh Bachchan will do the English and Hindi voice over for the French film. The film was supposed to release in India in March. However, it got delayed as Amitabh Bachchan could not spare time for the voice over. His schedule had gone haywire owing to a viral infection in his throat. Now that all is well again, the Big B will start work on the project, soon. The superstar is currently in London, wrapping up Ravi Chopra’s Baabul. Hollywood actor Morgan Freeman has done the voice over of the film in English, earlier. The film hopes to create awareness about the plight of the displaced penguins that have to go through harsh conditions. In India, the film will release in English, Hindi, Tamil and Telugu.

Welcome to Big B Fans Club

2005-12-28T04:20:00.000-08:00

"Amitabh Bachhan is, in popular parlance, the king of Indian

cinema, most certainly of the commerical Hindi film. The older of the two sons of Harivansh Rai, an acclaimed Hindi poet, and the socialite Teji Bachhan, Amitabh went to Sherwood College, a boarding school in the hill-station town of Nainital, and from there to Delhi University where he earned an arts degree.

INTRODUCTION
RECENT MOVIES
LATEST NEWS
COMPLETE INTRODUCTION
FAMOUS DIALOGUES
LIKES & DISLIKES
BIOGRAPHY

INTRODUCTION
Full Name: Amitabh Bachchan
Nick Name: "Amitji", "Big B"
Profession: Actor
Star Sign: Libra
DOB: 1942, October 11th
Place of Birth: Alahabad, India
Height:6'3"
Eyes: Black
Hair: Black
Family: Wife Jaya Bachchan, two children Shweta and Abhishek
Awards: Best supporting actor Anand in year 1972 Namak Haram in year 1974 Mohabbatein in year 2000
Best Actor Amar Akbar Anthony in year 1978 Don in year 1979 Hum in year 1992 Critics Award for Best Actor for Aks in year 2002
Address: Pratiksha, 10th Road JVPD Scheme Mumbai 400 049, INDIA
Famous For: His great acting and personality, and for giving us such super hits like Deewar, Suhaag, Muqaddar Ka Sikander, etc. First bollywood action hero.
Did you know? Amitabh almost died from an accident during the shooting of his movie "Coolie".
Latest Dialogue: "Sooryavansh ek aag hai jisme doston ke liye jitni joyti hai, dushmanon ke liye utni hi juala. Bhoon dalo is kambaqt ko." -Sooryavansham
Funniest Role: In Namak Halal, where he says, "I can talk in english, i can walk in english, i can run in english....because english is a phunny language".
Most Serious Role(s):: He is known for serious roles angry man role, but a few unforgettable ones are from Aaj ka Arjun, Aakhri Rasta, Deewar, and recently Sooryavansham.
Best Scenes: 1) Having an aquarium in hand and suddenly he gets a tumor attack and the way he performed that scene is worth watching and thaawa tching and thats what only Amitabh could do it. 2) Sharabi scene from Amar Akber Anthony, where he immitated himself in the mirror. 3) His Introduction in Mohabbateinas Narayan Shankar. 4) In K3G where he breaks out at the end, he turns around with his eyes red apologizing to his sons.

COMPLETE INTRODUCTION
"Amitabh Bachhan is, in popular parlance, the king of Indian cinema, most certainly of the commerical Hindi film. The older of the two sons of Harivansh Rai, an acclaimed Hindi poet, and the socialite Teji Bachhan, Amitabh went to Sherwood College, a boarding school in the hill-station town of Nainital, and from there to Delhi University where he earned an arts degree.

His first appearance was in the movie Saat Hindustani [Seven Indians], which did not do particularly well at the box office. Nonetheless, Amitabh was not deterred, and he can be said to have arrived in the Hindi film world with the films Zanjeer [Chains] and Deewar [Wall] . With his tall and lean looks, Amitabh became emblematic of the new kind of action hero. Whereas his predecessors such as Rajesh Khanna and Dharmendra played romantic roles, Amitabh introduced the motif of the 'angry young man' to Indian cinema. This is at a time, in the mid-1970s, when domestic politics was in a period of great turmoil, student unrest was high, and the employment prospects for educated young men were bleak at best. In Deewar, which furnishes the classic example of the double in the Hindi cinema, he played the role of a mafia don and smuggler opposite his policeman brother, played by Shashi Kapoor.

The theme of 'alienation' is further explored in Shakti [Energy; Strength], where as the son of a strict police officer (Dilip Kumar), Amitabh takes to the life of high crime and smuggling. Altogether, Amitabh Bachhan has appeared in over 70 films, many of them, particularly those from the mid-1970s to the mid-1980s, resounding successes. During the shooting of the movie Coolie, he injured himself fatally and had a near brush with death. He married Jaya Bhaduri, herself one of the most successful and accomplished actresses in the Hindi cinema, and it is perhaps telling that, quite in the Indian fashion, she ceased to act in Hindi films after their marriage. About ten years age he retired from the film world.

He then tried his hand at politics. Due to his enormous popularity, not to mention the close association with Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, and members of their family that he has enjoyed, he was elected to parliament with a huge majority from his home city of Allahabad. But his stint in politics did not last long and he was implicated in some scandals. He gave up his seat in parliament, vowing never to be involved in politics again. Some years ago, Amitabh attempted a return to the commercial cinema, but he has not had the impact that he had in previous years.

However, he continues to have an extraordinary public presence in India. It was Satyajit Ray, among others, who found that Amitabh's deep and rich voice, which leaves a lasting impression upon listeners, makes for excellent narration. Amitabh had provided narration for numerous films and cultural programs, and he now also heads an entertainment company. Most recently, his entertainment company was the principal sponsor of the Miss Universe Contest, held in Bangalore in 1996. In this respect, as in many others, whatever Amitabh Bachhan's lasting contribution to Indian cinema, he has shown himself to be naive, socially insensitive, and politically irresponsible; like most other Indians of the upper crust, he is committed to the proposition that India must become a major player in the world stage, and that opposition to 'globalization', 'liberalization', 'modernization' and spectacular 'world events' is not merely inopportune, but a residue of India's attachment to socialism and tradition."

FAMOUS DIALOGUES
"Aisa to Aadmi Life mein Doich time bhaagta hai. Olympic ka race ho, yaa Police ka case ho. Tum kisliye bhaagta hai bhai?" -Amar Akbar Anthony
"Yeh koylei ki khaan ek azgar hai seth sahaab, jo roz , unginath logon ko nigalkar, usei peeskar, jissm se khoon ka ek-ek katra choosk ar, ek lash ke roop mein ugall deta hai." -Kaala Paththar
"Govardhan seth, Samundar mein tairne waale- kouon aur taalabon mein dubki nahin lagaya karte hain." -Sharabi
"Sahi baat sahi waqt pe kiya jaye to uska maza hi kuch aur hai, Aur main sahi waqt ka intezaar karta hoon." -Trishul
"Jisne pachchees saal se apni Maa ko thoda thoda marte dekha ho, use maut se kya dar." -Trishul
"Jigar ka dard upar se kahin maloom hota hai (?), Jigar ka dard upar se nahin maloom hota hai." -Sharabi
"Muchain hon to Nathulal jaise hon, warna na hon." -Sharabi
"Govardhan seth, Samundar mein tairne waale- kuon aur taalabon mein dubki nahin lagaya karte hain." -Sharabi
"Sapne bhi samundar ki lahron ki tarah, haqeeqat ki chattanon se takra kar toot jaate hain." -Deewar
"Hum jaha pe khade ho jaate hein, line wahi se shuru hoti hai." -Kaaliya
"Rishte me to hum tumhare baap hote hain, naam hai Shahenshah." -Shahenshah
"Bachpan se hai sar par Allah ka haath, aur Allahrakha hai mere saath; Baazu par hai saathsochiyaasi ka billa, bees number ka beedi peetha hu, kaam karta hu coolie ka aur naam hai Iqbal." -Coolie
"Aaap ne jail ki deewaron aur zanjeeron ka loha dekha hai jailer sahab, Kaaliya ki himmat ka faulaad nahi dekha." -Kaaliya
"Don ko pakadna mushkil hi nahin, naamumkin hai." -Don
"Agar apni maa ka doodh piya hai to saamne aa." -Laawaris
"Tumhara naam kya hai, Basanti?" -Sholay
"Daaru peene se liver kharab ho jaatha hai." -Satte pe Satta
"Eh Caancha, saala bandook bhi dikhata hai aur peeche bhi hattha hai?" -Agneepath
"Lekin woh aayee kyon nahin?" -Naseeb
"Mukhtaar Singh ka naam suna hai?" - Kaalia
"Mai aur meri tanhaai - aksar ye baatein karte hai....
" -Silsila "Mai jo bhi hoon, is wakt tumhare maalik ka maalik hoon bete." -Shakti
"Pain is my destiny and I can't avoid it." -Kaala Patthar
"Mai feke hue paise ko nahi uthatha." -Deewar
"Jo mard hota hai, use dard nahi hota." -Mard
"Ye telephone bhi ajeeb cheez hai- aadmi sochta kuch hai, boltha kuch hai, aur karta kuch hai." -Agneepath
"Zindagi ka tambu teen bambuo pe khada hai." -Sharaabi
"Sooryavansh ek aag hai jisme doston ke liye jitni joyti hai, dushmanon ke liye utni hi juala. Bhoon dalo is kambaqt ko." -Sooryavansham

LIKES AND DISLIKES
Sun Sign: Libra
Pet Name: Amit
Plus Point: (modestly) I have none
Minus Point: Several. My face, My height
Strength: The love of my fans and affection of my parents
My biggest fear: Not living up to the expectations of people and my fans
Languages known: Hindi, English and a bit of Punjabi Hindi
Weakness: My family
Favourite Perfume: It keeps changing. I use whatever is find on the dressing table
Favourite Holiday Spot: Haven't had a holiday for a long time. I'd prefer where nobody will recognise me
Favourite Food: Indian vegetarian food
Favourite Websites: Don't surf too much. I just use yahoo for e-mails
Philosophy of life: If things happen as you wish it's good, if they do not it's better
Something about yourself that you would like to change: I don't think I would like to change anything
Dream Role: Every actor wants to look for something new in their horizon. When it comes true it becomes a dream role
Favourite film: Ganga Jamuna and Pyaasa
Best compliment paid by a woman: It doesn't come very often
Turn on in a woman: It's too personal!
Turn off in a woman: That's also too personal!

BIOGRAPHY
Born in October of 1942 when the British rule was beginning to lose power, Amitabh Bachchan is close to completing 60 years of a lifetime. Not interested in films at first, he joined the industry in 1969 with Saat Hindustani. He also became Bollywood’s first action man with Zanjeer in 1973. Then, he was known as "the angry young man" after that movie. This movie gave him acclaim and made him a superstar. He started doing such roles in a time whether other superstars such as Shashi Kapoor, Dharmendra, and Rajesh Khanna were attached to romantic roles.

He then starred in Deewar with the yesteryear heart-throb Shashi Kapoor. This went on to become a super hit. He already had eleven films completed by end of 1972. His popularity rose when he won the Best Supporting Actor award for his film Anand in 1971 and then again for the film Namak Haram in 1973. He also did win Most Promosing Newcomer for Saat Hindustani but that wasn’t a very prestigious award at the time.

Many people also felt that he should have won best actor for Zanjeer but unfortunately he was unable to walk away with the award. In a stardust interview he talks about his childhood and how he was a shy kid and how his father, the great poet Harisvansh Rai Bhachan helped him overcome this, which he says is one of the reasons of his success of his films. He is married to another star in the industry, Jaya Bachan, whom he met during the shooting for Guddi. He also has two children, daughter Shweta Bachan and son Abhishek Bachchan; who has followed into his father footsteps. The mid-late 70’s was when Amitabh really starting rolling in the hits, especially in 1975 where he released an amazing seven films, none of which flopped.

One of these films was Chupke Chupke, which became an eventual super-hit, and proved his flair for comedy roles as well. His next release was the unforgettable Dewar, which became an all-time hit. His next film needs no introduction, as Sholay went on to become a true classic, a movie which people still talk about today. His later releases in the late 70’s were classics such as Amar Akbar Anthony, Kabhi Kabhi, Don, and Trishul. He worked with yerter year stars such as Shashi Kapoor, Jaya Badhuri, Dharmendra, and Vinod Khanna and got a chance to prove his worth working alongside them. People then thought that he wouldn’t be able to cope working with such stars, but not only has he proven them wrong he has overtaken their status. By the time the 80’s rolled around people had already claimed Amitabh Bachchan the king of Bollywood, overtaking stars such as Shashi Kapoor and the evergreen Raj Kapoor.

LATEST NEWS

Bhoot tormented me for so long: Amitabh Bachchan
This week Mr Bachchan's first horror film Darna Zaroori Hai opens in theatres. ... This is not the first film that Mr Bachchan has worked gratis recently. ...

Superstar Amitabh Bachchan opts for luxury villa on Palm Jumeirah ...
According to a report in Gulf News, Bollywood superstar, Amitabh Bachchan is most likely to buy a permanent home at the Tiara Residence on Palm Jumeirah Island ...

Dhoni and Amitabh Bachchan meet as fans
Bollywood stars inclding Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan. ... One is Sachin Tendulkar and the other is Amitabh Bachchan. ...

Being Amitabh Bachchan: Breathing Cinema
Amitabh Bachchan is back to work and all is right with the Hindi film world. This week, the man who has come to personify the film ...

Amitabh Bachchan in new Deepa Mehta film
writing the script for the film, Mehta also wants to bring in a powerful presence to play the lead in the movie and that could well be Amitabh Bachchan. ...

Amitabh Bachchan as the revolutionary Gurdit Singh
If things go as planned, Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan will play the role of the lesser-known Indian revolutionary Gurdit Singh in Deepa Mehta’s next ...

Amitabh Bachchan in a sarcastic love story
Last month we told you that mega superstar Amitabh Bachchan will start working in a film titled 'Cheeni Kum'. ...

Amitabh Bachchan Be Healthy Always
Black figures in Corliss's top 10 movies
Legal notice served to Big B
Abhishek stepping in Big B's shoe
Amita Bachchan reveals fitness formula
Amitabh Bachchan - Urban Indian of the Year
Big B's date with work still remains suspense
Fans await Big B’s return to KBC 2
Big B will rub shoulders with Rajnikanth soon
Amitabh offers prayers at Tirupati
Amitabh beat Shah Rukh!
2005: Year of Amitabh Bachchan
2005's all about the Big B and aam janta
Amitabh Bachchan back home
Big B watches Ek Ajnabee in hospital
The 'lonely' Amitabh Bachchan
Bollywood stands up and greets Amitabh Bachchan!

RECENT MOVIES
Family - Ties Of Blood
Ek Ajnabee
Sarkar
Bunty Aur Babli
Black