My first ever job was in Kolkata where I worked in coal mines: Amitabh Bachchan
Mumbai: Since the time another thriller from Sujoy Ghosh 'TE3N' has been announced, curiosity among the fans had arise. An intriguing trailer of the film was launched in the presence of Amitabh Bachchan, Vidya Balan, director Ribhu Dasgupta and producer Sujoy Ghosh. Nawazuddin Siddiqui, who was busy with other professional commitments, didn't turn up for the launch.
When asked about the film, director Ribhu said, "When I went with the script to Sujoy, he told me how we will shoot the film since crowd in Kolkata which is a task to handle. There were about 5000-10000 people to see Mr. Bachchan daily."
Vidya Balan, who is playing a fearless cop in the film is quite elated about the film. "It's a special film for me since I am doing a special appearance (laughs). Mr Bachchan has been a constant inspiration. Sujoy and I share a very crazy equation. I felt like working with Ribhu because I totally loved the way he told a story. I had enough reasons to do this film. I have especially flown for the trailer launch," the actress said.
She further said, "I think there is never a thing like returning back to Kolkata since my debut film was in Bengali every before Paineeta. I love to show my Bengali side wherever I can. I even know few rhymes, songs and slangs in Bengali. Funnily people back there think that I am Bengali. Nawaz and I did Kahaani six years back and after that we haven't met. We again met on the sets of TE3N. It was great catching up with him since most of my scenes were with him. I even learned driving for this film and Sujoy was my instructor. I am playing a cop for the first time."
After 'Aladin', Amitabh Bachchan joined hands with Sujoy Ghosh yet again for 'TE3N', talking about the association, the actor said, "I and Sujoy go long back and we have always appreciated each other works. I was introduced to Ribhu by Anurag Kashyap. I did a TV series Yudh with him. He came up with the idea of TE3N. Ribhu actually came up with an another idea earlier which was set in Kerala but than TE3N happened. The film was suppose to shot in Goa but due to permission issues we shot in Kolkata. Sujoy was happy with this decision. I am delighted to work with Vidya Balan and Nawazuddin. It is great to see such young talent. I watch and admire them the way they perform. The story of the film was very unique. I want to thank the entire team to put this film together."
Amitabh further added, "Ribhu doesn't wanted me to be the same as in my earlier films. I am playing an Anglo Indian old man. I had to modulate my voice. Since I have done 'Piku' so I knew the dialect but when we did research on Anglo Indians, they hardly spoke Bengali. This film is different from 'Wazir' but there might be a similarity since both are mystery films. In Piku, I rode cycle but in TE3N I drove an old scooter. It was tough to make the balance."
The actor even got nostalgic and shared few anecdotes from his time in Kolkata, he said, "Not many know that my first ever job was in Kolkata in 1962 where I worked in coal mines for 7-8 years. A lot has been changed in the city. Many flyovers have been made now. I love eating puchka pani opposite to Victoria memorial. Several theatres where I used to watch movies have been demolished but the people are same as ever. They are very hospitable. I think the people are very cooperative during the shoot of the film."
On the recent controversial statements made by Amar Singh on Amitabh and Jaya, the actor said, "Amar Singh is my friend and he has right to say anything to me."
