It is a wonder I am still getting offers: Amitabh Bachchan

By Subhash K. Jha

Mumbai, Nov 20 (IANS) Age is no bar for Amitabh Bachchan. From television to films to endorsements, he is doing everything and that keeps the 67-year-old megastar busier than his younger colleagues.

"I do wish to do films and, yes, there are interesting offers, which I shall consider. And, no, it shall not be one film a year. I am not that big or important to make such decisions. It is a wonder that I am getting any offers at all," Amitabh, who will seen in an unique role in "Paa", told IANS in an interview.

"I do not know if I am still going strong, but, yes, I'm alive and I exist. I'm grateful for the jobs that I get and am thankful I'm given opportunity for work," he said.

Excerpts from an interview

Q: You are 67 and still going strong... would you say that's a good signature tune for you?

A: I do not know if I am still going strong, but, yes, I'm alive and I exist. I've never wished for any signature or tune or any fancy recognition or accolade. I'm grateful for the jobs that I get and am thankful I'm given opportunity for work.

Q: How do you assess the year that has zipped by?

A: I really have no recollection of what went by. I know what I'm doing now. Age does have this adverse effect on one and I'm no different from any other. It may seem power-packed for you, but for me it is just another day, another job. I endeavour to do what is assigned to me to the best of my ability.

Q: What, according to you, was the most significant thing in your life this year?

A: That I'm still alive!

Q: You took two months off to be with your friend, Samajwadi Party leader Amar Singh, in Singapore. How rejuvenating and introspective did that time-off prove to be?

A: Yes, I was with Amar Singhji during the time he was in Singapore under treatment. I was aware that he would be going for treatment and so I had planned all my work in a manner where I could be free to be by his side. I finished all my pending work by June and did not take up any assignments after. When his condition had improved, I accepted the Colors offer for BB3 ("Bigg Boss 3").

I was in Singapore not to rejuvenate or to introspect, I was there for a friend, a member of my family, while he recouped.

Q: What are your plans regarding more offers? Is it true you've decided to do only one film a year?

A: Yes, I do wish to do films and, yes, there are interesting offers, which I shall consider. And, no, it shall not be one film a year. I am not that big or important to make such decisions. It is a wonder that I am getting any offers at all.

Q: You are back on television after creating history with "Kaun Banega Crorepati" (KBC). How will you describe this new experience with "Bigg Boss 3"?

A: The experience of "Bigg Boss 3" has just begun, but it is different from KBC and it gets more intricate as we move along. The medium and those that are attached to it work diligently round the clock and it is a marvel to see the amount of thinking and labour that goes on behind the scenes to create something like "Bigg Boss". I'm most impressed with that. The coordination and the management need all the praise there is for their unfailing effort and commitment. I'm merely a tool that follows instructions, but what goes on beyond me is what needs to be recognised and appreciated.

Q: How comfortable are you interacting with the "Bigg Boss" housemates?

A: It is good. You would need to ask the channel or the housemates what they felt. I just feel very saddened when I have to announce the person who has been voted out by public and in-house processes and then later to spend time with them after their eviction. It's much like what I used to feel when on KBC I had to inform the participant that his answer was wrong.

Q: You've another release "Paa" - the film offered you a unique chance to play a child. Did you relive your childhood through this part?

A: Not so much my childhood, but the childhood of my children and my grandchildren. A lot of my interpretation has been picked up from what I remember of Abhishek when he was that age and from my grandchildren now as I see them grow.

(Subhash K. Jha can be contacted at jhasubh@gmail.com)

• Interviews