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Amitabh to recite father's poetry in New York
Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan is set to recite his father Harivansh Rai Bachchan's poems at a literary and cultural festival here next month.
  

Rajnikant is the emperor: Amitabh Bachchan
Amitabh Bachchan, who calls Rajnikant the true emperor of Indian cinema, admires the Tamil superstar for his simplicity, humility and the way he has brought up his children.Reacting to Rajnikant's remark about himself and the Big B being the king and the emperor respectively, Bachchan told IANS: "Rajni is phenomenal. The largest, the best and truly the boss! It is ridiculous to compare me with him.
 
Court reserves verdict on Big B's plea on farmland row
The Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court Thursday reserved its verdict on Bollywood star Amitabh Bachchan's application for stay on an order of the Faizabad commissioner declaring allotment of government agricultural land to him as "fraudulent". After two hours of arguments by both sides, Justice D.P. Singh decided to reserve the ruling. Well known Supreme Court lawyer Mukul Rohatgi had flown in from Delhi to argue the case on behalf of the star. His main argument was that the commissioner of Faizabad had issued his order without giving Bachchan's counsel an opportunity to be heard. Devendra Upadhyay, additional advocate general of Uttar Pradesh, stressed that the allotment of farmland to the star was a case of "blatant forgery and fraud".
On June 1, Faizabad Additional Commissioner Vidya Sagar Prasad had ordered cancellation of the allotment of land in Daulatpur village in Barabanki district, ruling that the entry in the land records declaring the star as the owner had been "tampered and forged".  The land revenue court had also ruled that Bachchan was "not a farmer" - as he had claimed. The star, a friend of former chief minister Mulayam Singh Yadav, had received three 'bighas' (about 70,000 sq feet) of land in the village, 35 km from Lucknow, from the government as largesse. 
  
Court reserves judgement on Bachchan's land
Faizabad, An Uttar Pradesh court Tuesday reserved its judgment till Thursday on a case related to alleged irregularities in allotting government land to Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachcan.
After hearing the arguments and looking into the relevant documents, Additional Commissioner Vidya Sagar Sagar ruled: "The judgement stands reserved until May 31."  The actor received the land allegedly as a largesse by the government of Mulayam Singh Yadav - who lost the assembly election this month - in Barabanki district, barely 35 km from state capital Lucknow. Bachchan, said to be close to Yadav's close confidant Amar Singh, allegedly misrepresented facts to become a beneficiary of government land allotment and also used this to establish his credentials as a farmer in Maharashtra and buy land there. It was a query in March 2006 by the Pune collector to the Barabanki district magistrate for authentication of the Uttar Pradesh testimonial that led to the controversy and allegations against Bachchan. Then Barabanki district magistrate Ashish Goel cancelled the allotment on the ground that the land revenue records had been fudged. Goel was replaced by Ram Shankar Sahu. However, as Goel's objections had become a part of official records, Sahu stayed his predecessor's decision "till further orders."
Bachchan then sought a review of the cancellation before the commissioner. 
  

Big B lands in title song controversy
By Subhash K. Jha,

Mumbai, Did Amitabh Bachchan ask for the title track in "Jhoom Barabar Jhoom" to be re-recorded in Shankar Mahadevan's voice after it was done in Daler Mehendi's voice?
In an interview on the Bollywood website India FM, Ehsaan, one-third of the composing trio Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, is quoted as saying that the Big B did indeed ask for the change of voice. The superstar wanted to continue with Shankar's vocals after the success of "Kajra re" in "Bunty Aur Babli" and "Rock 'n' roll soniye" in "Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna. But Amitabh, who's currently out of the country, completely denies Ehsaan's claim."This is a load of rubbish. I'm not aware of any change in the title song's vocals. I performed to what was given to me. Everyone knows that at Yash Raj Films nothing moves without the consent of Aditya Chopra," Big B told IANS.
He added that he finds such controversies a total waste of time.As for Aditya's contribution to the sound and look of "Jhoom Barabar Jhoom", a source revealed that the reclusive Chopra scion devised everything, including the 'pirate' look for the Big B."Every character in 'Jhoom Barabar Jhoom' from Big B to Abhishek sports a distinctive look. Aditya personally supervised the complete look of the film," said the source.
 
Amitabh visits Tirupati before son's marriage
Tirupati, Ahead of his son Abhishek's marriage with Aishwarya Rai, Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan Sunday offered special prayers at the venerated Tirupati temple here. Accompanied by friends, industrialist Anil Ambani and politician Amar Singh, Amitabh reached the temple located on the Tirumala Hills and sought the blessings of Lord Venkateswara, also known as Lord Balaji, the presiding deity. The superstar placed the first wedding invitation card at the feet of the deity seeking blessings for Abhishek and Aishwarya, who are to tie the knot on April 20.
The trio made a donation of Rs.5.1 million each to the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD), which runs the affairs of the country's richest temple, for education of poor children and treatment of poor patients. "Since there is a wedding in the family and at the same time elections are also being held in Uttar Pradesh we offered prayers to seek blessings of Lord Balaji. We are strong believers in Lord Balaji," said Samajwadi Party general secretary Amar Singh. Anil, his wife Tina, and Amar Singh are among the select group of people invited by Amitabh for the wedding. Anil Ambani and Amar Singh had also accompanied Amitabh when he had visited the temple in December 2005 to offer prayers after recovering from serious health problems. The Bollywood superstar had then promised to offer diamonds worth Rs.90 million to the deity. TTD officials, who welcomed the trio as they reached the temple premises, took them to the sanctum sanctorum through the special entrance for VVIPs. Temple sources said the visit by the VVIPs did not cause any inconvenience to thousands of common devotees standing for 'darshan'. About 50,000 people offer prayers at the temple every day and on special occasions the number cross 100,000. The devotees offer prayers and make huge offerings on fulfilment of their wishes, recovery from health problems, victory in elections or success in business or other missions.

Bollywood set to end 2006 on a big high
New Delhi, The bourgeoning Hindi film trade is set to end the year 2006 on a high with the mighty combination of Amitabh Bachchan, Salman Khan, Rani Mukerji and John Abraham in B.R. Chopra's "Baabul" slated to hit the marquees on Dec 8.

'Amitabh' analyses sociological impact of stardom
New Delhi, A number of books have been written on Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan but Susmita Dasgupta's "Amitabh - The Making of a Superstar" is
probably the first to analyse the sociological impact of his popularity.
   

Bachchan proud of Indian film industry's secular nature

Film legend Amitabh Bachchan is proud that Indian cinema is secular and binds people together amid the wider social reality of diversity and religious divisions.Bachchan made the comments in a supplement of The Observer titled 'The New India: An 84-page special issue on the world's next superpower'. It is the latest of growing number of breathless accounts in the British press of the ways in which India is changing.

Amitabh Bachchan: 'Politics? No Thanks!'

Superstar Amitabh Bachchan has denied he is returning to politics, saying he doesn't understand politics and "there's absolutely no question" of his getting into it "in any capacity".The actor was busy shooting a music video for his forthcoming release "Baabul".About the controversy surrounding Abhishek getting the Yash Bharti award in Lucknow that evoked criticism and protests, Bachchan responds: "There should be debate and questioning in any free society. We're a democratic country and everyone is entitled to an opinion."

Three Bachchans together only in 'Bhairavi': Amitabh

The three Bachchans - Amitabh, Jaya and Abhishek - will be seen together not in Pradeep Sarkar's new film, as the rumour mills suggest, but in a Rakeysh Mehra venture called "Bhairavi", says the Big B.

Mega Bollywood awards event to be held in Kuala Lumpur

A bevy of Bollywood biggies, including Shah Rukh Khan and Abhishek Bachchan, will enthral fans in Kuala Lumpur during the second Provogue Global Indian Film Awards (GIFA) being held there Dec 7-9.

Europe is immersed in Indian films: Amitabh (INTERVIEW)
Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan says the kind of patronage the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) is getting across the world speaks a lot for the growing impact of Indian movies
Bachchan has just returned from announcing this year's IIFA awards in the House of Commons in Yorkshire. "Look at the range of films coming up - 'Dhoom 2', 'Baabul', 'Guru'. I went for the music event of 'Guru'. Everything was so beautifully organised. It was a memorable occasion."

Amitabh begins countdown to IIFA 2007 in Yorkshire
Indian film legend Amitabh Bachchan began the countdown to the International Indian Film Awards (IIFA) function being held in Yorkshire next year with two launch events at the House of Commons and at Bradford

The legend that is Amitabh Bachchan
superstar of Indian cinema, Amitabh Bachchan, who celebrates his 64th birthday Wednesday needs no introduction. His deep baritone has become synonymous with success and fame

Birthday message for Amitabh from London
Newcomer Jiah Khan who is set to make a racy debut in Ram Gopal Varma's Nishabd, the Indian version of Lolita, opposite Amitabh Bachchan has sent birthday wishes for her co-star from London

Amitabh Bachchan's mother hospitalised
Mumbai, Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan's mother Teji Bachchan was admitted to a hospital Friday in serious condition. ( Read full news ) 

Amar Singh distances from Big B's problems
(LEAD)
Indo-Asian News Service

New Delhi, June 15 (IANS) Samajwadi Party leader Amar Singh Thursday appeared to distance himself from Bollywood star Amitabh Bachchan's income tax problems.

After publicly blaming Congress president Sonia Gandhi for the income tax notice sent to Big B, Amar Singh said: "I am not Amitabh Bachchan's spokesman. Neither my party nor I did ever try to make it an issue." 

Amar Singh had earlier alleged that the income tax notices sent to Amitabh Bachchan and his wife Jaya were meant to harass them.

While Amitabh Bachchan is a close friend of Amar Singh, Jaya Bachchan has been a Samajwadi Party MP.

"What have I done?" he asked. "I have not talked about Amitabh Bachchan's notices at all. It was the media that dug out everything. I have not spoken to anyone," Singh told reporters here.

He, however, put up a brave face over the income tax department's notice to his wife Pankaja Kumari Singh, reportedly asking her to declare all her properties and assets acquired during the past six years.

"I invite income tax officials to raid my homes. It will benefit me politically." 

The income tax department has sent 37 notices to Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan and their actor son Abhishek Bachchan in the last three months, according to published reports.

A group of people said to be Samajwadi Party activists had taken out a rally in Lucknow this week to protest against the income tax department's move.

They burnt the effigies of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Gandhi. Singh said his party did not hold any protests in support of the superstar.

Amitabh launches book on Hindi films at Dubai
Indo-Asian News Service

Dubai, June 15 (IANS) International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) brand ambassador Amitabh Bachchan has kicked off the awards here with the launch of "Lights, Camera Masala", a book that gives a detailed account of the Hindi film industry.

Bachchan, who has familiarised the world with Bollywood by organising the IIFA awards in different countries every year, launched the book at a hotel here Wednesday, two days before the awards ceremony Friday. 

The book, by well-known critic Naman Ramachandran, is an insider's look at the glitz, grit and grandeur of Hindi cinema. 

It takes the readers through the adventures of filmmaking through fictitious characters Vijay and Ravi. And to add substance to it, Ramachandran has spoken to Bollywood stalwarts like seasoned scriptwriters Salim and Javed, actors Amitabh, Shah Rukh Khan and Aishwarya Rai as well as filmmakers Ramesh Sippy and Karan Johar.

Apart from chronicling the experiences of known names, "Lights, Camera Masala" also focuses on the unsung heroes of filmdom - the light boy, the makeup artist and others.

It gives a detailed account of the behind-the-scenes people who are an intrinsic part of the Hindi film industry machinery. 

Sheena Sippy's photographs capture the grandeur of Bollywood that makes "Lights, Camera Masala" a visual extravaganza too. 

Published by India Book House, the book is distributed by Jashanmal, a leading lifestyle store in Dubai. 
 

Samajwadi Party protests 'income tax notice' to Amitabh
Indo-Asian News Service

Lucknow, June 12 (IANS) Wearing black sunglasses, Samajwadi Party activists took to streets here Monday to protest an alleged notice by the income tax department to superstar Amitabh Bachchan over the purchase of a pair of shades. 

Nearly 200 of them gathered outside the Uttar Pradesh assembly where they burnt effigies of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and United Progressive Alliance chairperson Sonia Gandhi, who they pointedly blamed for the "hounding of Amitabh by income tax officials".

Bachchan enjoys close proximity with Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav as well as party general secretary Amar Singh.

Reacting sharply to news reports about the income tax department serving him a notice for purchasing a pair of sunglasses worth Rs.270,000, Bachchan in a statement issued Sunday termed the story ridiculous. 

The department has denied sending him any such notice.

However, what really provoked protests in certain parts of Uttar Pradesh was the rumour that the income tax authorities were after Bachchan simply because of his close association with Amar Singh and the ruling Samajwadi Party.

The demonstrators raised slogans of "Sonia Gandhi murdabad" (down with Sonia Gandhi) and "Manmohan Singh murdabad" (down with Manmohan Singh), and threatened to extend their protest to the entire state if authorities did not stop Bachchan's "harassment". 

"Enough is enough and we will not tolerate any further harassment of our idol Amitabh Bachchan," said Samajwadi Party leader Mujibur Rehman 'Babloo', who led the demonstration.

It's an exciting phase for me, says Amitabh
(INTERVIEW) By Subhash K. Jha, Indo-Asian News Service

Mumbai, June 11 (IANS) Looks like this is one of the most challenging years for Amitabh Bachchan. Even as "Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna" featuring him nears completion, he's already on to two other projects that feature him in never-before roles. 

One is Ram Gopal Varma's "Nishabd" and the other is Balakrishnan's "Cheeni Kam". 

"'Cheeni Kam' is an audacious film. I think Indian cinema is going through a hugely exciting phase. All kinds of films are competing with one another, and I'm part of that movement. It's an exciting phase for me. I'm truly grateful to god," Amitabh told IANS.

Everyone is talking about Varma's "Nishabd" where Amitabh is featured in a "Lolita"-like love story with an 18-year-old girl. 

And he is more than game for the challenge. 

"You can't always be the perfect human being on screen. There are no perfect human beings. To show human failings on screen is a sign of acceptance and a measure of creative freedom. Cinema is about human relationships. To deny the existence of such feelings in human beings would be wrong. 

"Ramu (Varma) is extremely honest in his work. Even before he made 'Sarkar' he admitted that 'The Godfather' was his inspiration for it. But look at the manner in which he treated 'Sarkar'... it was a completely different experience from 'The Godfather'.

"Ramu and I have been toying with several projects, including 'Sholay', 'Sarkar 2' and 'Ek'. The 'Sarkar' sequel and 'Ek' have to be coordinated with Abhishek's dates (yes, he's in both). Abhishek committed to do Mani Ratnam's film and others. 'Sholay' requires a lot of physical activity, which I'm at the moment, not up to. 

"Ramu and I decided to do this romantic film at a stretch in 25 days," says Amitabh admitting that "Nishabd" is a departure for him and for Varma as well. 

"It's an intense love story that looks into closed doors to see the passions that simmer within every human being under the surface. But let me also add that we won't be going into the physical aspect of the relationship at all."

The actor-extraordinaire admits he's charged about "Nishabd". 

"Going by the quality of performance that Ramu got out of me and Abhishek and 'Sarkar' I am sure he has some fantastic plans for me in 'Nishabd'. But I must say this isn't his first intense love story. 

"Ramu has done 'Naach' which was also a passionate love story. It may not have worked at the box office. But it certainly succeeded in creating a new kind of love idiom from an oft-told story. And it opened up Abhishek as an actor, put him in touch with emotions that he had never touched before. This is one of Ramu's specialities. 

"On the surface he may seem like an ordinary dishevelled working class guy with several ideas crowding his head. But he's a very systematic and sensitive filmmaker."

"I need that professionalism and passion among my directors. Sanjay (Leela) Bhansali, Vidhu Vinod Chopra and Ram Gopal Varma are extremely passionate about their work, almost to the level of obsession." 

Amitabh admits he had no hesitation is accepting a part that required him to be romantically involved with an 18-year-old girl. 

"I need to work and I need the challenges. Look at 'Black' - it was a complete departure from anything I had done before. Who would have ever thought it would be such an all-round landmark? How would I know if there're more 'Blacks' in store unless I step into the unknown?"

Going back to "Cheeni Kam", Amitabh said: "That's again a completely different story. That's a sarcastic humorous take on love...I don't know how else to describe it. It's got a lot of tongue-in-cheek humour. It's not about deliberately falling in love... 

"Again, it's never been done before. Very different! I can't play the traditional leading man. Even in Ravi Chopra's 'Babul' where I am playing a patriarch I've a cause to fight for. It tackles an extremely important aspect of society. 

"And Karan Johar's 'Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna' takes a look at things that happen behind closed doors. I think it is extremely brave of today's filmmakers to want to talk about supposedly taboo topics, to project such issues artistically. It's happening all over the world. 

"Look at 'Brokeback Mountain'- who would have thought such a love story to be possible some years ago? It's a world of lot more openness where creative freedom to depict forbidden subjects does exist. These films are opening doors that were so far closed and allowing the audience to judge whether the frank attitude to cinema is really justified."

Speaking of taboo, Amitabh is all praise for his "Cheeni Kam" co-star. "Tabu is gorgeous. What an artist. Ours is a fun film. Doing a serious film together would have been too obvious."
 

IIFA has benefited film industry: Amitabh  (INTERVIEW)
By Subhash K. Jha, 
Mumbai, June 10 (IANS) Amitabh Bachchan, the brand ambassador of the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) awards, is pleased with the academy's achievements in the world arena.

"I think over the past seven years IIFA has benefited the film industry both commercially and socially. From providing a lucrative venue to creating awareness about Indian cinema...it has achieved a lot."

Amitabh says apart from popularising Indian cinema abroad, IIFA also allows the film fraternity to spend quality time with each other.

"We are all neighbours in the film industry. But we don't get the time to meet one another. I think it's wonderful to be in an environment where one can relax and be with one's colleagues without stress or anxiety."

Excerpts:

Q: How are IIFA awards this year different from previous ones?

A: I think every year there is some progress made at the IIFA awards. We started by merely acknowledging and honouring artistes for their work. Now we have moved on to creating a forum where business opportunities are created and discussed. 

There are forums for discussion on cinema for people from all over the world. There are charity events and sports events. Then, of course, the awards ceremony is unique because the film industry votes for itself. The awards are all computerised. 

Q: Which one is the most enjoyable aspect of IIFA for you?

A: I think it is a wonderful opportunity for the entire film industry to get together in one city in any part of the world over a period of four days. We are all neighbours in the film industry. But we don't get the time to meet one another. I think it is wonderful to be in an environment where one can relax and be with one's colleagues without stress or anxiety.

Q: Do you think IIFA awards have grown over the past four-five years?

A: Oh, most certainly. I think over the past seven years IIFA has benefited the film industry both commercially and socially. From providing a lucrative venue to creating awareness about Indian cinema...it has achieved a lot.

Q: What unique aspects this year at IIFA?

A: Instead of the sports event there is going to be a charity fashion show. And of course we have tried to make improvements in every aspect, from the facilities provided to the guests to the quality of the live shows.

Q: Don't you think there are too many awards ceremonies every year?

A: Why not? This is a free society. Everyone has the right to do what he or she likes. It's any individual or organisation's prerogative to host an awards ceremony. How wonderful to find our fraternity being acknowledged for our efforts. Creative artistes need the appreciation.

Q: This year you have swept all the popular awards.

A: Yes, yes...It's been unique. But that is primarily due to the fact that the film "Black" was so well-made...all credit to Sanjay (Leela) Bhansali and to the audience for embracing this piece of art. It is unique for a film to score with both critics and the audience. 

The success of "Black" shows the maturity of our audiences. A film like this demolishes the wall between art and commercial films. Really, "Black" has bridged many gaps. And that's so wonderful.
 

Income tax department denies notice to Big B
Indo-Asian News Service

Mumbai, June 9 (IANS) The Income Tax (IT) department Friday denied that it had served any notice to Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan asking him to explain the purchase of Ray Ban glasses worth Rs.270,000 as reported in a section of the media.

"We clarify that the Income Tax department, Mumbai has not issued any notice to Amitabh Bachchan with reference to media reports that the actor had purchased sun glasses in New York valued at Rs.270,000," H. Tulsyan, Chief Commissioner Income Tax Mumbai, told IANS.

"There were several misleading reports in certain sections of the media. The media has been reporting that Income Tax department Mumbai has issued a notice asking the actor to explain the purchase of sun glasses in New York. We have not issued any such notice to Amitabh Bachchan," he added.

Amitabh used the branded glasses in his new film "Zamanat" due to hit theatres next week.
 

Amitabh to dub for Hindi version of penguin documentary
By Subhash K. Jha, Indo-Asian News Service

Mumbai, June 1 (IANS) Amitabh Bachchan is doing the voiceover for the Hindi version of Luc Jacquet's "March Of The Penguins" chronicling the tough journey of displaced penguins from Antarctica.

"March Of..." is one of the highest grossers among documentaries that created a stir the world over. American actor Morgan Freeman provided the voiceover for this remarkable film in English.

In India, the film will be released through Sunil Doshi's entertainment company, Handmade Films.

"Yes, Sunil Doshi has acquired the Indian rights of this beautiful documentary film. And I have indeed agreed to do the commentary...'March Of The Penguins' is a film I'd be very happy to be part of. And I am aware Morgan Freeman has done it earlier," Bachchan told IANS.

Generally, films that have Amitabh's voice on the soundtrack like "Lagaan" and "Parineeta" fair well at the box office.

"Ah, but you are mentioning the successful ones. There are so many films where I have done voiceovers which haven't done well. I am sure 'March Of The Penguins' will have a deep impact on the Indian audiences. It's a film that has created a stir all over the world."
 

Amitabh magic on Zee Cinema
Indo-Asian News Service

Mumbai, May 5 (IANS) Zee Cinema is set to open the third edition of one of the longest running shows on Amitabh Bachchan titled "Shanivaar Ki Raat Amitabh Ke Saath - Relive The Magic" starting May 6. 

Bharat Ranga, the business head of Zee Cinema, said: "'Shanivaar Ki Raat Amitabh Ke Saath' has been the longest running property of Amitabh and its popularity with the Indian audiences only serves to underline the legendary artist's undying appeal. 

"The 'Relive The Magic' series will have a totally new look on air with new packaging and a new logo. We will be promoting it in a big way off air as well."

In addition to the movies, the channel has lined up some exciting contests and events as well. 

"'Shanivaar Ki Raat Amitabh Ke Saath' has been delivering better than some of the biggest premieres of recent times. It has been watched by a phenomenal 86 percent of the Indian cable television audience in Hindi-speaking markets," said Venugopal Iyengar, deputy vice-president, marketing, Zee Cinema.
 
I'm petrified of horror films in real life: Amitabh Bachchan (INTERVIEW)
By Subhash K. Jha, Indo-Asian News Service

Mumbai, May 2 (IANS) Amitabh Bachchan's first horror film "Darna Zaroori Hai" opened in theatres last week, but the actor says he doesn't enjoy watching such movies and is in fact "petrified" of them. 

"Darna Zaroori Hai" is also Amitabh's first segmented multi-story film. 

"I don't think I have done something similar in the past. I am petrified of horror films in real life. If there is a horror film or serial on television, I can quickly change channels," Amitabh told IANS. 

"I saw Ramu's 'Bhoot' where a ghost kept appearing. I can't tell you how tormented I was. For months afterwards every time I went to bed I imagined that woman from 'Bhoot' would appear from nowhere, from under the bed or behind the curtain." 

"Horror films do leave an impression. A lot of people enjoy horror films. I really admire their strength and guts," he said, adding that filming "Darna Zaroori Hai" wasn't at all traumatic. 

Amitabh is all praises for Varma.

He said: "Ramu's passion is to keep making films and to keep surprising people by doing unexpected things. He asked me to do this one segment in 'Darna...', and I did... It is wonderful to have Ramu in the industry. He is always up to something innovative. 

"He takes up fresh challenges all the time and the end result comes out looking good. His films are made within given budgets and are safe business-wise. It's really creditable how Ramu conducts the business of film making."

But it doesn't make much business sense for Amitabh to have done "Darna Zaroori Hai" free. "It is true. Just can't charge money for a day's work!"

This is not the first film that Amitabh has worked gratis recently. He acted in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's "Black" without remuneration and also put in a guest appearance in the Kannada film "Amrithdhare" free of cost.

He moves on. "Though I have done a supernatural thriller Rakeysh Mehra's 'Aks', 'Darna Zaroori Hai' is hardcore horror. I had never done that before. It is wonderful to work with a director who envelops you in your thoughts and concepts. 

"During 'Darna Zaroori Hai' I had my own preconceived notions of how the scenes should be performed. Ramu thought it needed a slight correction. We did it his way... for the better."

Amitabh disagrees with the view that younger directors are nervous of correcting him. 

"Not at all. Irrespective of my age and seniority, I am subject to the director's authority once I take on a project. I have never given any director opportunity to feel I am not open to instructions... Why only Ramu? 

"I'd like to believe I share a compatibility level with all my directors. It is just that he finishes a project fast and moves on to another. There are some directors who come back with projects, others don't." 

He is all praise for his co-star Riteish Deshmukh. 

"He is such a wonderful boy. So gentle well brought-up and so hard-working, an easy person to work with. Abhishek (Bachchan) is also very fond of him. He keeps coming over to the house."

Amitabh has just shot for Balkrishnan's "Cheeni Kum" and can't stop praising his co-star Tabu. 

"She's incredible. Her presence and the way she emotes are so warm and endearing. You can actually see whatever is on her face comes straight from the heart. There's such an opaque and honest quality about her performance that you get inspired. 

"Many times you hope your co-star's performance will be supportive. Because your performance always depends on the co-artiste. You could be giving the performance of your lifetime but it could go to waste if you are not getting the correct responses from your co-star. Tabu is very inspiring."

Amitabh is again on the move. He completed a schedule of his brand new film "Cheeni Kum" in Delhi. After a day in Dubai to introduce this year's International Indian Film Academy (IFFA) awards, he is right now in Munnar shooting for Varma's "Nishabd".

"I have never been to Munnar before. But I have shot in Kerala." 

Maybe a family holiday in Munnar? 

"Everyone is busy. Abhishek has just finished in Bangalore. He now moves to Chennai for Mani Ratnam's 'Guru'. Then he goes straight to England for Shaad Ali's film." 

Commenting on his future he said: "I am trying to finish my commitments before green-lighting other projects. So far my health is okay."
 

Amitabh in Kerala to shoot Varma's 'Nishabd'
Indo-Asian News Service

Kochi, May 2 (IANS) Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan, arrived here to shoot for filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma's "Nishabd" in Munnar.

"I am really happy to be in Kerala after a long time and I am going to be in Munnar for almost a month shooting for the film," Amitabh told reporters at the airport.

When asked whether he would visit Sabarimala, Amitabh shot back and said: "I have come for film shooting."

Amitabh, who reached here early morning and whisked away by a group of police personnel, was advised to come after the completion of second phase of Kerala assembly polls, which got over on Saturday.

Amitabh teams up with popular South Indian actress Revathy for "Nishabd" which will also introduce several new faces.