Bachchan is often lovingly referred to as the “Shahenshah” of Bollywood and has been the face of Indian cinema for over five decades now.
While his onscreen performances are nothing short of towering and legendary, his demeanour off the screen conjures an equally compelling saga. A blend of his social media, interviews, memoirs, and insights from co-stars and directors provides us with a look at that man that goes beyond just the legendary figure. The picture that emerges is a mixture of humility, professionalism, discipline, and, at times, surprising tenderness.
Humility and Respect: A Consistent Trait
To this day, one of the qualities attributed to Amitabh Bachchan is his humility, whether he is a superstar or not. Shobana, an actress who recently worked with Amitabh in “Kalki 2898 AD”, a mega-budget film, shared an anecdote that left me spellbound. While shooting, one of the crew members made a very patronizing statement about Shobana needing to change her costume behind a tree. Bachchan, realizing her plight, rushed to help her. According to reports, he thoroughly reprimanded the crew member for Shobana’s rudeness and then asked Shobana to change into his caravan, stepping outside so she could have some privacy. Shobana said in the interview: “Even after all these years, his humility has not changed. He treats everyone with respect and dignity.”
Professionalism and Dedication: Setting the Gold Standard
The ageless veteran of Indian cinema, Amitabh Bachchan, has made a phenomenal contribution to the Indian film industry: Madhavi, his co-star. In the famous Bharatiya films, such as “Agneepath,” he has shared stories about the hard work and perseverance that he puts towards his craft. Madhavi said, “He achieves every shot meticulously, no matter how small it is. He practices for each shot, and his ‘masterclass’ performances in unleashing his creativity are breathtaking.”
Filmmaker Shoojit Serkar, who has worked on projects with Amitabh like “Piku” and “Gulobo Sitabo”, illustrates his dedication further in projects which he is allowed to direct, “He never questions your vision, he deeply believes in trusting your approach, and that is a true maestro. As strange as it sounds, He adds helot to validations and concocts yet untappable magic out of everything”. Sircar adds, “There is a sense of mutual respect and creative bonding.”
To make it even better, Amitabh’s commitment is complimented with strict adherence to time schedules. This is evident, as crew members from various productions have noted that he arrives at the predetermined call time precisely on time. This benchmark sets a gold standard that younger actors aspire towards, which is an astonishing feat at his stage of life.
Camaraderie and Approachability: The People’s Superstar
Cinematographic masterworks and what they represent in the trajectory of Bachchan’s life transcend mere filmography, as he is a symbol of incredible achievement. Despite being a demigod of Indian Cinema, he is easily approachable.
Actor Sachin Pilgaonkar, who acted with Bachchan in the blockbuster movie “Satte Pe Satta,” shared stories revealing that Bachchan’s persona is much softer than his onscreen roles. “He would join us for late-night parties and games, and it was like heaven on earth. He has a remarkable grip on comedy, and he does a lot of narrations of his early days in the industry.”
This warmth that is usually reserved for seniors is not the sole prerogative of veterans. Newcomers and many supporting actors discuss how striving to remember faces, let alone names, is indeed the aura that is still alive around Bachchan. Taapsee Pannu, who co-starred with him in “Pink” and “Badla”, has frequently noted that Bachchan’s company on set is both reassuring and motivating. “He listens. He observes, and he encourages. He is a sage-like calm person, and yet, he doesn’t try to throw weight which his position demands,” added Pannu in a discussion during an interview.
Moments of Aloofness: The Human Side
Although the accounts of others often focus on the positive aspects, it is frequently noted that Bachchan appears somewhat distant or reserved. The thoroughly modern actor Saanand Verma, known for various television and movie roles, shared two somewhat opposite stories of meeting Bachchan. On their first meeting, he was hot, welcoming, affectionate, and engaged to a level that made Verma feel like he was part of the family. However, during a later commercial shoot, Bachchan was reportedly disengaged, unresponsive to Verma, and cold. “This was meeting what felt like a different person completely. Maybe he was having a long, difficult day like many of us, or perhaps he has anti-social moments,” was Verma’s reasoning.
Such rare examples tell the story that even legends such as Bachchan are not immune to the demands and expectations that come with an intense career. Industry insiders speculate that these moments are attributed to the sheer volume of work or the actual need for solitude, coupled with hectic schedules, taking into account the age and health concerns he has faced in the public eye over the last decade.
A Final Remarkable Impression
Amitabh Bachchan may exhibit erratic changes in his temperament. However, it is generally agreed that he has upheld the reputation of a model professional in the Indian film industry. The kindness shown to him, along with the respect he holds for his peers, as well as the steadfast commitment he demonstrates to his work, has established him as a benchmark for many actors and producers over the decades.
Sircar put it succinctly: ‘He is not just a great actor, but a great human being. He inspires everyone around him to be better—not just as artists, but as people. Guide them to be better human beings and citizens of the country.
Final Briefing
Amitabh brought a unique and captivating blend of diligence, genuine warmth, and steady humility to his work, as noted by many of his colleagues. Amitabh may not have perfect days, but he is remembered for being respectful and professional in his interactions with colleagues. In Indian cinema, he is a supportive and highly professional coworker, and in the eyes of his industry peers, he is regarded as a kind gentleman.
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