Big B takes home lessons from Deepika, Prateik

The legendary actor of Bollywood, Amitabh Bachchan has played a variety of roles, from being the true romantic in ‘Silsila’, to the villain in ‘Don’ and his recent act of an old gangster in ‘Bbuddah Hoga Terra Baap’ too has impressed the audience.

“Earlier I could play the central character. But at this point in life I can only perform characters like being the head of the family and something similar. Whatever roles I take have to suit my age. In the past too I have done characters which were appealing and suited me. I have done my characters with dedication but I have not been influenced by any of them,” says Big B.

With a huge fan following, Amitabh is of the opinion that movies create an impact on the audience and society at large. When films give out a strong message, a change in thinking follows.

Amitabh says, “Cinema is a medium which helps make this society a better place to live in. Subjects based on reality create awareness among youth and others. Films depict strong messages like victory of good over evil. We as actors can definitely bring a change in the society for the better.”

A similar subject is approached in Amitabh Bachchan’s upcoming movie ‘Aarakshan’ which deals with the social issue of reservation in India.

“With Prakash Jha’s narrative, ‘Aarakshan’ is based on the caste system and showcases the ups and downs faced by students who seek education. Various aspects pertaining to reservations have been expressed and explained in the movie. ‘Aarakshan’ will definitely open the eyes and widen your visions. The tag line says, ‘Bharat do bhago mein bata hai. Parivartan lana hai, doori mitana hai.’ (India is divided into two parts which are drifting apart. Change is needed to bring it closer and remove the distance), which is very apt,” says Amitabh.

In the film, Bachchan plays the character of a principal who stands by his ideals.

Speaking about the character he says, “My role of a principal strongly believes in educating students without any discrimination and without charging them exorbitant. The question of reservations speaks of idealistic norms but does not favour an egalitarian atmosphere where all the students need to be treated alike.”

Sharing an instance from the movie Amitabh says, “In the film I do not favour private tuitions. According to Manoj Bajpayee’s character (Mithilesh) in the film, imparting education through private tuitions is the best way of increasing our financial status. For Mithilesh, money is an added attraction. However, I am the principal and am against this policy.”

Along with a veteran actor, the movie also stars Saif Ali Khan, Deepika Padukone and Prateik Babbar. “All these actors who are a part of ‘Aarakshan’, Deepika, Prateik, I must confess are very professional. They know their job well and also perform their characters brilliantly. Though I have not been able to converse much with Prateik, he has given a remarkable performance in the film. I am carrying back home some lessons that I may have learnt from these young actors of today,” says Bachchan.

Undertaking a delicate issue like that of quota system and caste, Prakash Jha has taken a brave step. He had to face some opposition but in the end everything has fallen in place.

And for the first time Amitabh is working in a film related to a social issue. Explaining his stand Big B says, “Prakash has been a good guide on the topic. But as actors we too need to research before getting into the skin of our character. I am well aware on the issue and have paid attention to both the sides. Over a period of time we have talked about this subject. Right decisions however ought to be taken by the government of India.”

If not for the reservation, Amitabh openly speaks about the caste system in India. He says, “The caste system has been prevalent over the years; this fact cannot be denied. Also eradicating it totally is not be possible. Such situations need to be brought under control. Hence we can try to make sure that students below the poverty line belonging to any caste or creed get proper education facilities.”

Giving an example of his own family, Amitabh Bachchan says, “My parents belonged to different castes. My mom was a Sikh and dad belonged to Uttar Pradesh. However, I have never been a victim of any caste related incidents. I have studied in a boarding school where all the students were treated equally. I do not approve of any atmosphere which may treat people differently on the basis of caste, gender and the likes.”

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