Bachchan awestruck by West's professionalism

Now that he is in his 70s, Amitabh Bachchan is boldly going where he always wanted to go – Hollywood, where he shoots for 'The Great Gatsby' directed by Baz Luhrmann. He counters us when we point out that it is rather late in the day. “So what if I am in my 70s? I have to go ahead like any other normal man. I am not a superman as people often call me. I feel fortunate enough to be a part of this film,” he smiles.

Talking about his role in 'The Great Gatsby' and its shooting, he says,”I have almost completed shooting for 'The Great Gatsby'. I have a small role, but the film and its reminiscences will always remain with me. It was a great learning as well as a very unforgettable experience. A few more weeks of work are left, which we will finish by next month.” One of the prominent and lead actor of the film is Leonardo DiCaprio.

Incidentally, Shah Rukh Khan had met Di Caprio earlier this year along with Martin Scorcese and had spoken to them about doing a film together. Looks like Bachchan beat him to working with Di Caprio, indeed.

Talking about what he learned from Baz Luhrmann, he says: "It’s been a great experience working with Baz Luhrmann. I have learnt a lot from; he is simply outstanding with his visualisation. He is great with his aptitude; he knows how everything will work, how long it will take, and how to use his actors well. I was actually awestruck with their work culture, and I believe we are yet to learn many things.”

Bachchan has been inspired the way Hollywood filmmakers work and he says, "I had revelations almost every day. I have always been an admirer of Luhrmann's work and of him as a person, but after working with him, I admire him more. I observed many technological aspects of production in Hollywood. Their way of production and management is different from ours. I was attracted to the honesty of work and the easy delegation of everything there. We have also experienced changes for good but we yet have a long way to go.”

Considering Bachchan is one of the few stars of Bollywood who has always been punctual and a thorough professional, perhaps he can now teach a few things to our Bollywood spoilt brigade! What say, Mr. Bachchan?