Big B allows Preity to occupy prized hotel suite

Strange stories about Amitabh Bachchan throwing a tantrum over not being put up in a presidential suite at a luxury hotel in Kolkata are doing the rounds.

According to a report, Amitabh made huge demands on the producers of Rituparno Ghosh's English-language film "The Last Lear" and even "threatened" not to shoot for the film until he was given the presidential suite at a particular luxury hotel in Kolkata.

But an associate of the superstar told IANS: "Of course, Amitabh was to be put up in the suite. He doesn't need to throw a tantrum for that. It is his by right. However, when he reached Kolkata for the shoot, the presidential suite was occupied by someone else.

"Without the least fuss he quietly took an ordinary suite with an interconnecting room for his valet Pravin, who needs to be with him to give his food, medicines and so on, on time. And his makeup man is not staying at the same hotel. He's been put up in a much less expensive hotel."

The presidential suite was subsequently allotted to Preity.

"She arrived in Kolkata for her second schedule. By then the presidential suite was vacant, and we asked Amitabh if he'd like to move into it. He said he was comfortable where he was, so Preity was given the presidential suite."

Ghosh, neck-deep in work, is horrified at the story about Amitabh's alleged demands.

"Far from making demands Amit-da is the epitome of cooperation. I've never seen such fierce dedication and passion in anyone. I wish every actor in this country would learn the meaning of commitment and dedication from him. After 'The Last Lear', I want to make at least a dozen films with him," said Ghosh.