Image Courtesy: Abhay Singh
In recent times, you’ve worked the most with Ram Gopal Varma, the latest being in Department. What’s it about RGV that appeals to you, despite his infamous irreverence?
Ram Gopal Varma, much to the consternation of many, is an intelligent mind, has an independent thought process on life and his profession, and is someone who has the great ability to spot the right talent for the right job at the right time. What appeals to me most about him is the absence of any of these qualities in me. Infamous is the harshest expression for one that harnesses such intrinsic worth. And ‘irreverence’ on Google definition search, stated ‘no results found’. If Google can’t find it, neither can I!
What is it about politics that was totally incongruent with your personality?
Politics was and is something that I’m not qualified for. I don’t know it. For me, it has been a qualified failure, which I most humbly accept.
What excites you about Kaun Banega Crorepati 6 — is it the same adrenaline rush?
Any work of creation and creativity, must have some kind of rush to be involved in it. I’ve never seen ‘adrenaline’ but if that’s the expression being used to describe my interest in KBC, then yes, I stand by it. KBC in all its years of existence and manifestations, has given me the pleasure equivalent to welcoming a house guest. The contestants make the show. I go by the strong belief that ‘given an opportunity’ even the so-called weaker sections of society can come out with flying colours. One doesn’t have to justify this through example. All who watch the show, witness it, each day of the telecast.
You sang Rabindranath Tagore’s iconic song Ekla chalo re for Kahaani and praised its poetry and music. Is it eventually a lone journey for each one of us?
Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore’s poetry and music are works of an exemplary genius. Reading, understanding and listening to their renditions fills one with awe and unending respect. Being obliquely connected to them is sufficient reason to have been blessed by his aura. Gurudev does not, I think, propagate a lone journey for each one of us in Ekla chalo re. He rather expresses that if the ‘others’ do not listen to your call, then you must walk alone. Personally though, I would believe that we all walk alone, despite the accoutrements that one gathers through the years of our existence. I discovered this very early in my life, when I entered the boxing ring during my school days. Within the four cornered ropes of the ‘ring’ it was just your opponent and you that mattered. There were hundreds that cheered and screamed and encouraged from outside but inside the four corners you were fighting alone. It was one of the most practical lessons that life taught me.
Recently, Oprah Winfrey paid you and India a visit. What do you find inspirational about her?
... to have fought individually and alone against the most adverse circumstances, which she had to face, without giving up.
What impression did working for Baz Luhrmann’s The Great Gatsby leave you with?
Baz Luhrmann has been a visionary. A director of immense aesthetics and one who has dared to present his interpretation of cinema in a unique style. Working with him, albeit in just a minute role in Gatsby, was educative and a lasting, memorable experience. His attention to detail, even in the seemingly insignificant aspects, is beyond description. I had never before worked in a set up so professional and exact.
Are you for remakes, more so because the recent Don and Agneepath were your landmark movies?
Remakes are the creative prerogatives of those who wish to present an accomplished original, in their own interpretation. If the rights belong to the filmmakers or are obtained through a mutually-agreed understanding, we cannot challenge their reason and desire. I’d expect originals to be left alone but in a fast-changing world, maybe generations that follow would like to be made aware of films they may have missed. Having said that, I must admit that generational interest does give credence to the issue. Devdas shall always be for me, a film which was immortalised by Dilip (Kumar) saab, but the generation before mine would admire and connect with K L Saigal’s rendition. Just as today’s generation would always identify Devdas with Shah Rukh Khan.
Your impressions on Hrithik Roshan’s take in Agneepath…
Hrithik is an accomplished artiste. His take on Agneepath was what was desired by the makers, and in that he delivered well.
Recently, you worked with Tabu and Vidya Balan in the acclaimed Cheeni Kum and Paa respectively. What’s most striking about these talented actors?
They are very good listeners. If your colleague or co-artiste does not have the ability to respond well to what you perform, you could be Laurence Olivier, Marlon Brando, Dilip Kumar and Robert De Niro in one body and still look ordinary. That to me is the greatness of Tabu and Vidya.
You were delighted when Dilip saab praised you on Twitter and said it meant more than any award for you. Please share your reverence for him.
The space provided in this interview is much too small to be able to express my reverence for Dilip saab! I have admired him from the first time I saw him on screen. He has remained my idol and is the ultimate in his craft. I have just this to say: When the history of Indian cinema shall be documented — if it ever is — the annals shall always refer to it as ‘before Dilip Kumar’ and ‘after Dilip Kumar’.
What’s the most beautiful memory that you have of working with him in Shakti?
That he’s an unselfish artiste. That his penchant for perfection drives him towards a faultless performance, one, never to be replicated; a timeless gift that shall be left behind for generations to come.
You are prolific on Twitter and expressive in your blog. How addictive or cathartic are these for you?
I do not write my blog or tweet for any catharsis. I do it to be part of the ‘gang’ to honour connection and response, to build an extended family, a family that lives in expectation of my presence. To be in peace and harmony and to tell those that come and join me that they are not alone! And yes, at times to have an independent platform for rebuttal.
You even quoted your father, the late Dr. Harivanshrai Bachchan’s verses on Twitter. What is the philosophy that you sieve from his writings?
Do you really think I could elaborate on this here? Sixty years of writing in the life of a litterateur, of poetry and prose, of thesis and thought, of wisdom and worldliness to be encapsulated? I would consider that an injustice. Sufficient to say that each day, I draw from his works, his teachings and his guidance as a father — a most meritorious legacy that shall be eternal in its presence.
What music is your current favourite?
All kinds of shapes and sounds of music appeal to me. Currently, I dwell in the great pleasure of putting music to some of my own compositions and those that were initiated by my father.
What’s the music you keep returning to?
The one that has the essence of the earth, of my birthplace.
At 69, what makes life beautiful?
That I am alive!
Is there anything you fear?
Yes… the fear of inadequacy and the inability to live up to expectations.
What’s the best thing about having a baby at home?
That even the plants, the trees and the flowers smile when she’s around.
