The Hindu Business Line : "I speak what I feel"

On a hot, muggy Mumbai evening, superstar Amitabh Bachchan was shooting for producer-director Sanjay Leela Bhansali's film Black at Mehboob Studios.

Fully made up for his role of a school teacher, he sat down for a chat with Life in his fully air-conditioned and self-contained van.

Excerpts from the interview:

Were you surprised by the Lok Sabha election results?

I can't say. The people have spoken and their verdict must be accepted. I guess this is what democracy is all about, but then I am not really a political person.

Did you feel you were part of the `feel good' factor?

Again, this is a political question. I am not the person to answer these questions because I failed in that line. `Feel good' must have meant different things to different people.

Your Chote Miyan Govinda, is in the Lok Sabha. Film stars seem to have discovered politics in a big way.

Govinda came to meet me and I congratulated him. Film stars in politics is not a new trend. In the past, people like Raj kapoor and Nargis were MPs. N.T. Rama Rao and M.G. Ramachandran became popular national leaders. Film stars, like any other citizens, have every right to contest elections and participate in politics.

Watching poll coverage on television and reading the newspapers, one got the impression that this election was dominated by the Sensex and stock market issues. Do you agree?

I really wouldn't know. I don't know how the Sensex and the stock markets function and I am not interested in their influence on politics.

These days you are identified as a Brand Ambassador. But we feel you should be identified more as an actor who had had a major impact on Hindi cinema.

For over 35 years, I've been acting. Brand Ambassador is only a name. These endorsements benefit my company, the AB Corporation. When I sign a business contract with a company, they want to know the value of my company. I sing, act, dance, endorse products, compere events and the revenue goes to my company which has plans of its own.

Are you planning to kick-start AB Corporation with the film Ranveer?.

That is right. The film stars my son Abhishek and me. Both of us are busy right now and there is a slight delay. The film is now in the scripting stage and is being directed by Raj Kumar Santoshi. There are two more film projects in the pipeline.

What will be the ultimate scope of AB Corporation?

Anything and everything in entertainment... graphics, event management, music videos and so on. But we propose not to hurry. Filmmaking will be only a part of our activities. At present, the company has two people on its payroll, a CEO and a financial officer.

Is it true that Ranveer is being held up because Abhishek, still without a hit, has very little pulling power?

Where is my pulling power? I am not a star anymore, but only a character actor. I don't agree that projects are made entirely on the pulling power of individuals.

Is there any investment in AB Corporation from the Ambanis and the Sahara group? Are you still in the learning process of running a company?

The answer to your first question is `No'. Yes, I really don't know much about finance and business. But I am learning from friends and professionals. They help me to make the right decisions.

You are now involved in the economic development of Uttar Pradesh which is ruled by the Samajwadi Party of Mulayam Singh, a close friend of yours. What exactly is your role?

I am part of the UP Development Council. My main job is, besides `selling' UP to industrialists, to define the role of entertainment in the State, find out the scope for setting up studios, theatres and provide facilities for film people.

North Indian States, including UP, have a poor record for returns on investments. Have you considered this? Looking at UP's track record in development, aren't you worried about the returns?

This is the responsibility of Chief Minister Mulayam Singh and other leaders like Amar Singh. They are already looking into various areas for development in the State. We meet regularly and discuss these issues. These leaders, I am sure, will change the current image of UP and bring in more investment. The uplift of UP is a challenging and exciting job and I am proud to be part of it.

Quite a few Mumbai industrialists like the Ambanis and the Godrejs are ready to invest heavily in the State.

What about similar work for Maharashtra and Mumbai? In fact, you are what you are because of Mumbai.

Of course. If there is any offer from the State Government seeking my help and cooperation in any welfare projects, I will certainly consider it. Quite a few film people from outside the State are connected with welfare projects of their own.

Some months ago, at the Ad Asia meet in Jaipur, you talked about breaking rules? Did you mean that we had too many rules which hampered growth and which had to be broken?

Not exactly. The meet was about breaking new ground, doing something different. This attitude had to cover every field, including films and entertainment. We cannot indefinitely stick to stereotyped approaches.

You endorsed Pepsi when it was known that Cola drinks were not good for health. Then came the scandal with impurities found in Pepsi and Coke. Are you justified in endorsing such products?

I took up the matter with the company and they explained their point of view. I have been endorsing Pepsi only recently, the drink had been around for decades without any controversy.

Do you believe that liberalisation has helped our economy?

Certainly. There is all-round progress and visible economic growth. Foreign investment is on the rise. We have realised our potential. I hope this progress continues.

You are `cool'... . and unflappable. Nothing seems to irritate you. You measure your words carefully. On most occasions you have underplayed your contribution to Hindi cinema and your talent.

Haven't I talked openly with you? I speak what I feel. A film is teamwork. No single person can be held responsible for its success or failure.

Your performance in Khakhee was gripping and much appreciated. What are the forthcoming releases?

Thank you. Khakhee had a tight and fast paced script, which was handled well by director Raj Kumar Santoshi. You will see me shortly in Lakshya, Deewar and Dev.

A French perfume is named after you, so is an orchid from Singapore. Some one has built a temple for you in Kolkata. How do you react to these?

I feel humble and happy. I thank such people who honour me and who think I am important enough to be accorded such honours. They help me to keep going.

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