Q: While you are in Bangkok [at the time of interview] two more of your films are ready for release. Your comments?

Yes, two more films are ready for release. It’s part of the business. I’m more anxious for Sarkar, since it’s Abhishek and me together again after the tremendous success of our first, Bunty Aur Babli. As for the other film, Paheli is a one-scene cameo.

Q: Paheli and Sarkar are special because you worked with Amol Palekar and Ram Gopal Varma for the first time.

Ramu was a first-timer for me. But I have been admiring his work for long...and interacting with him for several years…so it did not seem as though we were working for the first time. He is passionate about films, their making, their history and has incredible memory and knowledge of films gone by. He does a lot of research and preparation beforehand and discusses it before going on the set. This creates a relaxed atmosphere. Everyone on the sets knows exactly what to do. Ramu spends intimate time with the artistes to explain what he desires and then mostly leaves it to the artiste. He seems casual on the set and this creates a relaxed, deceptively casual atmosphere, which he encourages because sometimes the greatest creativity comes from an unguarded moment.

Q: You played Rajasthani characters in Reshma Aur Shera and Aaj Ka Arjun. How
was Paheli?

Short and sweet.

Q: You also got to share screen space with Rani Mukherjee, your Black costar in Bunty Aur Babli, and now Paheli. Is she a favourite?

We did not share space in Paheli, but Rani is a great co-artiste and a wonderful friend...Yes, she is an absolute favourite.

Q: How’s SRK as a producer and costar?

Gregarious, large-hearted and extravagant as a producer...and very focused and considerate as a costar.

Q: Sarkar is expected to build on your new reputation as ‘God’ post-Black. How much does Sarkar consolidate your post-Black reputation?

First, I don’t know where you pick up these inane terminologies ...‘God’...rubbish! I don’t work to build a reputation as an actor. I do what comes my way to the best of my ability. Reputations have a funny way of disappearing from the scene or changing rapidly. This is a business of creativity, not some capital investment outfit where perhaps reputation and consolidation would matter greatly.

Q: Your comments on your ‘look’ for Sarkar.

It’s something Ramu and I worked on jointly. Surprisingly, there was unanimity in the choice and style and colour almost immediately. We did not waste too much time on it, and it worked! It looked striking from day one and helped immensely in the characterisation of Sarkar. It is my belief that when things are meant to be going right they start going right from the littlest of things, the look being a small but important one...

Q: Abhishek shared space with you in Bunty Aur Babli, Sarkar appears far more intense?

Yes, Bunty Aur Babli was fun and light, smart, witty and laid-back. Sarkar is intense, quiet, introspective, dramatic and yet emotional.... And how wonderful that the same two artistes can get such a contrasting performing opportunity within such a short span. And father and son together in both. I couldn’t ask for more...truly blessed.

Q: Apparently, there’s a lot more of you together, and you also play father-son. Was it easy to play real-life roles, or was it slightly disconcerting and disorienting?

In front of the camera, Abhishek and I are two professional artistes, trying to give their best, there is nothing disconcerting or disorienting about it.

Q: Ramu says Abhishek is a better actor than you. Your comments?

He must have his reasons, and he must be right. But what a terrific compliment for me as a father! For that matter, any father in the world. It’s a moment of greatest pride when the son excels his father.

Q: Abhishek has gone from strength to strength…Do you think Sarkar will add to his stature?

Yes, I believe it will add immensely to Abhishek’s stature as an actor, more so, as I said earlier, because it comes soon after Bunty Aur Babli. Not many young actors get contrasting opportunities like this in such a short span of time. It’s wonderful that Abhishek got it. But somewhere it also shows the confidence of the respective makers in the actor. Two different directors from two different schools and ideologies seeing something different in the same actor and then going ahead to manifest this difference on the screen. It speaks volumes about their perception, too. And if the actor delivers, and I pray that he does (he has proved it once already in B&B), then it speaks volumes about the capability of the actor as well.

Q: You sound emotional.

For Abhishek who was loaded with expectations and crushed under the burden of successive failures, to suddenly find himself as the chosen one, is God’s benevolence and the incumbent vagaries of this profession. My assessment of him as a performer in Sarkar will always be somewhat harsh, but if you want to hear something quotable, here goes. The projectionist at the laboratory where the prints were being checked, after viewing the film, said ‘Aisee picture to maine pehle kabhi dekhi nahin. Amitabh Bachchan aur Abhishek Bachchan ki acting dekhne ke baad, yeh maloom nahin ki kaun kiska baap hai!’

Q: Your character in Sarkar is modelled on a real-life personality. Do you like playing biographical characters?

No, it is not modelled after any real-life character.

Q: In the first six months of 2005, you’ve had three successes. What do you feel about them?

Yes, three releases, all three successful and all three, the top grossers of the year so far. It’s magic. What can I say? Bunty Aur Babli is the biggest first-week grosser in the history of Indian cinema. Lord, just keep it that way.

Subhash K. Jha