MUMBAI, Oct 11:
Some of the biggest stars in Bollywood came together to wish a happy birthday to megastar Amitabh Bachchan on his 70th birthday today, recalling qualities that made him the “Big B” of Indian cinema.
Ramesh Sippy who directed Bachchan in ‘Sholay’ said Big B was a thoroughly professional actor.
“Bachchan has always been sincere and committed to work. He is a thorough professional. That is why he has lasted so long,” Sippy said.
Recalling his association with Bachchan, the director said, “My association with him is for close to 40 years. My first film with him was ‘Sholay’ considered to be one of the greatest films of Indian cinema. I am happy to have worked (with him) in films like ‘Shaan’, ‘Shakti’ and ‘Akayla’. We have always had lot of trust and understanding for each other”.
Sippy’s son Rohan has directed Bachchan’s son Abhishek in quite a few films.
Sippy expressed his desire to work with Bachchan again. “I haven’t written anything great of late to approach him with a role. The day I have a subject worthy of him I will turn to him. I want to direct him again,” he said.
Actress Sridevi who worked with Bachchan in films like ‘Khuda Gawah’, ‘Aakhri Raasta’ says he has an aura around him.
“His growth has been tremendous. The kind of roles he challenged to do is something no one can do. He is just amazing,” she said.
Big B played a cameo in R Balki’s home production ‘English Vinglish’ featuring Sridevi in the lead. “It was great working with him again. Sharing screen space with him is always an honor,” she said.
Recalling the shoot of ‘English Vinglish’, Sridevi said, “On the first day of the shoot everyone looked amazed. They all were waiting for the scene to happen. I must say he (Bachchan) still carries the aura around the moment he enters a set …There is so much of positive energy that he carries. It was great working with him”.
Actor Shah Rukh Khan, who attended Big B’s birthday party last night, tweeted, “Danced with Amitji and Jaya aunty to all the songs I have grown up listening. Too much fun. Thanks Abhishek, Aishwarya and Aaradhya for the warmth.”
R Balki who directed Bachchan in ‘Cheeni Kum’, ‘Paa’ and recently released ‘English Vinglish’, directorial venture of his wife Gauri, said he was once in a lifetime actor.
“He is once in a lifetime actor and the best way to respect and be friendly with him is to continue adoring him. He is an icon,” Balki said.
“We are fortunate to be living in an era where people like him are there. I dont think there will be another Amitabh Bachchan in next 100 years. He is a talented actor, he is hard working and dedicated to his work. He is a great human being,” he said.
Bachchan’s make-up man for 40 years, Deepak Sawant says he inculcated three qualities from the megastar: punctuality, eating right kind of food and staying fit.
“He is very dedicated and hard working. Even at this age he is working with as much zeal and enthusiasm as he was earlier. He is so energetic and well versed about everything. I don’t think anyone can match him,” Sawant told PTI.
It was in 1972 when Sawant first met Bachchan on the sets of ‘Raaste Kaa Pathar’.
“I was an assistant and by chance I happened to do make-up for him. I did make-up for him in few films till I approached him to keep me as his official make-up artist,” he recalled.
“He is a great human being, very calm and composed and gets angry very rarely. He is very helpful and does a lot of charity but does not talk about it,” Sawant said.
Sawant has done make-up for Bachchan in his romantic avatar in ‘Kabhi Kabhi’ and Silsila’ and also the angry young man get-up in ‘Zanjeer’, ‘Deewar’ and then older look in ‘Mohabbatein’ and in ‘Black’.
Another close associate of Big B who requested anonymity wished for his happiness, peace and good health. (PTI)
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