Big B: Education is in the air

Amitabh says experiences are the best source of education.

NEW DELHI:

Iconic actor Amitabh Bachchan — whose feet have been touched by many “Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC)” participants touch reverentially — says that the quiz programme has been a soul awakening experience for him. The actor professes that each one of his ventures, be it film or TV shows, has made him learn something about life. Even though he has taken a break from television to spend time with his granddaughter, Bachchan sat down to talk about his future ventures and upcoming international project The Great Gatsby.

“KBC” is about knowledge and it’s totally different from films and ads. Did you find it an intellectually stimulating experience?

Yes, indeed! Knowledge learnt from “KBC” is also of great benefit. But to say that films and ads are bereft of such knowledge is also not entirely correct. Films have a story to tell, they give drama, suspense, excitement, exhilaration and celebration. My last film, Aarakshan, was a great educator for me in the chapters of reservation and caste politics.

Tell us about your role in Ashutosh Gowariker’s next film.

I play a detective in Gowarikar’s next film but that is as much as I can reveal about the role at this stage. It is expected to be on the floors by the middle of next year.

You have played a part in Australian film-maker Baz Luhrmann’s The Great Gatsby. How was the experience of working on your first international project?

Gatsby was more of a friendly gesture so I just have a minute-long cameo in one of the scenes. Still, the experience of working in an international project with luminaries such as Leonardo DiCaprio and Tobey Maguire has been fantastic.

Any plans to sign more international projects?

There are no offers at the moment, but were they to come, I would consider them.

How has the ambience in the house changed after the granddaughter came home?

There is excitement and happiness all around and our time is now our days revolve around the little one and her habits. We do not have a name yet, but informally, she is the ‘little one’.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 8^th, 2011.