Forever Young

Cutting Across Generations And Geography... Amitabh Bachchan Is The Grandmaster Of The Game. Farhana Farook Presents Excerpts From An Interview...

- Farhana Farook

There are film institutes. And then there is an institution. Amitabh Bachchan. A tall figure that towers over the cinematic horizon. Nearly five decades and still a forerunner. Invincible in craft and charisma. Superstars have bedazzled and faded. The jargon of cinema has undergone an overhaul. But his palette continues to surprise with new hues. His fans refuse to break away from his spell. If earlier they loved the rage in his romance, they now warm up to his aura as a patriarch. Battling several setbacks, health and otherwise, his passion for the arc lights dismisses every encumbrance. Perhaps, that’s mind over matter. Empowered by both – destiny and discipline – Amitabh Bachchan, at 76, is a superstar for all seasons, all reasons. While 102 Not Out is about to release, his dossier has also earmarked Thugs of Hindostan, Brahmastra, Jhund... Well, some stories have no full-stops...

Director Umesh Shukla mentioned that Rishi Kapoor and you agreed to do 102 Not Out in an instant. What is so stimulating about the role?

I cannot say about Chintu. But at 76 it’s rare to get any film offer. So, when this came my way, I immediately accepted it… before there was a change of mind.

The posters say, ‘Baap cool...Beta old school...’ What’s cool about your character in the film?

That’s asking me to reveal the plot. But I guess, I may be permitted to say that my character is 102 years old, has a son, Rishi Kapoor, who is 75 and he is old school and I am cool. Hehe! No, but seriously, my character loves life and living. The film shows how the two accommodate themselves in this environment.

Apparently, your character wants to break the ‘longevity’ record held by someone else in the film. Is longevity really a blessing?