Returning to acting is Aishwarya’s decision: Amitabh Bachchan

He’s had a career that’s spanned three-and-a-half decades and invoked mass adulation on a scale that few public figures have. In an exclusive chat with our publication, Amitabh Bachchan talks about films, family and the future.

Is your character in Shamitabh as distinct and challenging as the one R.Balki conceptualised in Cheeni Kam and Paa?
I look upon each character I play as an impending challenge. Shamitabh is no less.

The challenge for any filmmaker who signs you now is to create characters you haven’t played so far...
That would be an obvious observation. At (this stage), roles that are commensurate with my age shall come by and I shall have to be grateful that they do.

You’ve played very diverse characters. Is there one that you still long to play?
I hope so. But I cannot say what it is. That would be for the directors to decide.

Have you signed any new films?
No, none so far.

Abhishek has had a blockbuster release in Happy New Year!
Yes, it is and I am happy with its success and the attention it created for Abhishek.

Abhishek has also discovered a new role for himself — that of a sports ambassador for kabaddi and football.
Abhishek has a passion for the sport and he is following it to the best of his ability.

You share an extraordinary rapport with your fans. How do you see your equation with them?
They have all been extremely kind, generous and tolerant towards me. I often wonder what it is that keeps them with me even after so many years. It surprises me to find their love and affection (persisting) through the ages and I can only thank the Almighty for this. They have all now become an integral part of my extended family — a family to whom I am indebted.

How do you cope with the constant attention and the demands on your time?
There are two ways to look at something like this. One, that you are still wanted. Which surprises me. And two, that if they still want me it becomes imperative that I concede to their demands. It is uncomfortable for me to refuse an invitation, and so when it comes my way, I find time for it.

How do you generate that unflagging enthusiasm for your work, for fans?
Work, if you have accepted that it is work, needs the kind of enthusiasm that is connected with it. It needs your complete attention and the desire to be able to give it your best. Otherwise why accept it? Work keeps the mind occupied, attentive, and enthused — essential ingredients I would presume, for any creative occupation. Fans give you so much love and affection. It would be rude and uncalled for if I were not to reciprocate it.

One of the joys of growing older is to see the new generations have their way and say. In that context, what role do you see Aaradhya and your other grandchildren playing in your life?
Elders have to accept that they have to give way to the young. There comes a time in all our lives when we elders are not able to walk along with or think as speedily or as differently as the young. The sooner we accept that the better. Having said that, there are certain principles and norms that the elders set for us, and it becomes mandatory, at least for my immediate family and me, to respect that. I shall always respect aspects of my father and mother’s upbringing, their values and their teachings. I would imagine and expect that the next generation think the same way about certain basics that we gave them. But both Jaya and I are fairly liberal in our thoughts. We would like to strike a balance between the traditional and the freedom of the youth in their modern thought process. We are happy with this understanding, and our children and grandchildren have so far not disappointed us. We hope that Navya-Naveli, Agastya and Aaradhya shall play roles in their lives that shall be in keeping with what we expect from them.

How different is your bonding with Aaraadhya as compared with what you shared with Abhishek?
I cannot say just yet. She is too young at the moment and still trying to discover who is what and where, around the very busy and extensively travelled life that she is leading. But in time to come as she grows, I would like to be as close to her as possible, become her confidant, her friend, her bodyguard!

There is a lot of talk about Aishwarya’s return to acting. Considering Jayaji gave up superstardom for marriage and motherhood, what is your take on your daughter-in-law’s return to acting?
Neither Jaya nor I have any reservations about her returning to work. It is entirely her decision.