Amitabh Bachchan as Gabbar Singh in Ram Gopal Varma Ka Sholay

Q: How do you feel being the Gabbar Singh that you wanted to be 30 years ago?

Well! Last time when Sippy Saab told me that Jai is the role that suits me, I was literally in tears but now it’s a privilege that Ram Gopal Varma has bestowed upon me. He thought I was the most suitable actor for this role. I feel overwhelmed and also honoured. This was one character that I looked forward to do even then.

Q: The look of Gabbar Singh being flashed in the media is creating history. Comment.

Yes, it’s the first time that the media is being addressed on the look of the villain of the 70s. The look is totally a creative idea from Ram Gopal Varma and I am putting a lot of effort to perform this character. It would be favourable for us as the media would bring out certain underlying facts which could enable us to work on it more. The sole idea of presenting this look is to gather a few more dimensions nonetheless, primarily it has been developed through Ramu over a period of time. This character is gonna be challenging for me.

Q: You have created a positive superstar image, what impact would this negative image create in the minds of the audience?

Yeah! We are actors, I am just an actor and I try to put in my best into the character onscreen, for that matter, any role. The reel role does not mean us in real. I don’t know why you people say I am a superstar, I only feel privileged and thank you all and the audience for all this. Yes, one thing I would like to say, if I live up to the character it means I am a successful actor. If a villain is stamped ‘bad man’ by the audience in public it means he has done his job to perfection.

Q: How would you compare with Amjad Khan and what mannerisms have you imbibed from him?

Well, Amjad was a great friend of mine and during the shoot of Sholay we used to chat a lot, all through our leisure hours. This is no competition. I would only try to do justice to Ram Gopal Varma Ka Sholay and try to bring the level of intensity that he is expecting, though it’s a difficult task. But I will not leave any stone unturned.

Q: What according to you should a villain ‘inspire’ in his audience?

(Laughs) Dehshat (terror).

Q: Do you think the impact of Ram Gopal Varma Ka Sholay will be of the same level as that of the Sholay of the 70s?

Every man has the right to use his creative imagination. Ramu was attracted to the script of Sholay and hence he decided to remake it. It’s his thought process which would be put forth to the best of our ability and I am sure it will enthral the audiences.

Q: Your films are being remade. Wouldn’t you go in for a remake?

Remaking is beyond my means. If others are remaking my films, I can’t stop them. Many films are being remade. Don is one of them and I am happy about it. Lately, when I met Farhan Akhtar in Toronto/London, he promised to show me the first copy before release. The promos being flashed have a classy look.

Q: Were you nervous when you were offered this role?

Yes, I was nervous. It’s like how you enact on the stage for the first time.

Q: Your look is being introduced first. Why are the other artistes being kept off?

(Laughs) Well, this particular press meet was for the look of Gabbar Singh, hence I was invited. The others will also be called as the film rolls on, if they are not invited I will request RGV to invite them.

Q: What were your inputs for this look?

I am totally following the director and the designer. Whatever RGV wants me to portray I shall do that. I hope I am able to create an impression in the minds of the people as a reel villain.

While acting you do ponder over the expressions delivered by great actors like Dev Anand and Dilip Saab, perhaps, which could add to the interpretation.

Q: What is the secret of your glasses that you wore during the press meet?

Oh! It’s nothing, just an infection. As you see in the poster I am wearing contacts. Before I go in for the shoot the makeup artiste puts some liquid into the eyes and then adjusts the contact lens which has resulted in some scratch. Hence, to protect them from outer infection I am using glasses.