Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan is what legends are made of. Recently, while shooting for Prakash Jha’s ‘Aarakshan’, Big B asked the reluctant director to re-shoot a scene from the film as the aging superstar was not satisfied with his earlier performance.
Apparently, Jha is known to be austere with takes and re-shoots. When Big B approached the director, the filmmaker literally recoiled at the mere thought of re-shooting with the living legend.
Talking to a daily, a source from the unit said, “When Mr Bachchan requested that they re-shoot some of the portions of the film, Jha`s first reaction was to not even consider the thought. But Mr Bachchan pursued the matter with the director. There was one particular dramatic sequence with Saif and another actor that specially bothered Mr Bachchan. He felt he hadn`t performed it to the best of his abilities.”
Finally, Jha had no other option but to relent. “The entire sequence was shot again. Other actors were co-ordinated with to match the dates and the set was put up once again. Strangely it was a sequence where Bachchan`s character gets humiliated. Any actor would`ve cringed at the thought of re-visiting that harrowing sequence but Bachchan not only persuaded Jha he also convinced Saif that the sequence needed to be re-done," the source said.
When enquired, Jha confirmed the news and said, “I`ve always been a big fan of Bachchan Saab. Now I admire him even more. To me every shot he did was exactly right. But he insisted that he can perform this particular sequence better. Initially I didn`t agree and had any other artiste had requested the same I`d have refused, but coming from Bachchan Saab, the request had to be serious entertained.”
When asked about the re-shoot, Big B played it down and modestly said, “Yes when I`m not happy with my effort I request if I could re-do the scene. No big deal. I`m fortunate if my directors comply. Prakashji did and I`m grateful.”
Speaking about Big B’s dedication, an elated Jha added, “I had heard of Bachchan Saab`s dedication but now I`ve seen his passion for work as well. When there were breaks in the shooting schedule for a few days I`d suggest him to go back to Mumbai. But he refused. `Let those who want to meet me come here. Main kahan jaaonga?` He loved Bhopal and he wanted to stay close to his character and the film uninterrupted.”
Now that’s what it takes to be the actor of the Millennium!
Apparently, Jha is known to be austere with takes and re-shoots. When Big B approached the director, the filmmaker literally recoiled at the mere thought of re-shooting with the living legend.
Talking to a daily, a source from the unit said, “When Mr Bachchan requested that they re-shoot some of the portions of the film, Jha`s first reaction was to not even consider the thought. But Mr Bachchan pursued the matter with the director. There was one particular dramatic sequence with Saif and another actor that specially bothered Mr Bachchan. He felt he hadn`t performed it to the best of his abilities.”
Finally, Jha had no other option but to relent. “The entire sequence was shot again. Other actors were co-ordinated with to match the dates and the set was put up once again. Strangely it was a sequence where Bachchan`s character gets humiliated. Any actor would`ve cringed at the thought of re-visiting that harrowing sequence but Bachchan not only persuaded Jha he also convinced Saif that the sequence needed to be re-done," the source said.
When enquired, Jha confirmed the news and said, “I`ve always been a big fan of Bachchan Saab. Now I admire him even more. To me every shot he did was exactly right. But he insisted that he can perform this particular sequence better. Initially I didn`t agree and had any other artiste had requested the same I`d have refused, but coming from Bachchan Saab, the request had to be serious entertained.”
When asked about the re-shoot, Big B played it down and modestly said, “Yes when I`m not happy with my effort I request if I could re-do the scene. No big deal. I`m fortunate if my directors comply. Prakashji did and I`m grateful.”
Speaking about Big B’s dedication, an elated Jha added, “I had heard of Bachchan Saab`s dedication but now I`ve seen his passion for work as well. When there were breaks in the shooting schedule for a few days I`d suggest him to go back to Mumbai. But he refused. `Let those who want to meet me come here. Main kahan jaaonga?` He loved Bhopal and he wanted to stay close to his character and the film uninterrupted.”
Now that’s what it takes to be the actor of the Millennium!
