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 Amitabh Bachchan is happy he is being honoured with the National
Award for his performance in "Black", but "sad" because Rani
Mukerji didn't get the best actress trophy for her role in the
movie. "She played the main protagonist and all the other
performances were guided by her in the film. Our recognition came
because of her and her incredible performance, Amitabh told IANS in
an interview.
Reacting to reports of a jury member claiming that that they were
being
pressurised to give him the award, Amitabh says such talk neither
embarrasses nor discomforts him.
"They are the jury and they must have their reasons for their
claims and decisions. I think what became awkward was the
deliberations of the jury became public because of the court
procedure."
Asked about the proposed family world concert, he said: "Things are
still being finalised. But it looks like Akshay Kumar, Bipasha
Basu, Lara Dutta, Riteish Deshmukh and Shiamak Davar will join us."
Excerpts:
Q: There's a much talked-about proposed family concert next year.
Who will be accompanying you, Abhishek and Aishwarya from the
industry?
A: Things are still being finalised. But it looks like Akshay
Kumar, Bipasha (Basu), Lara (Dutta), Riteish (Deshmukh) and Shiamak
Davar will join us.
Q: Finally the National Award for "Black" after a year's delay.
Delayed
triumph tastes sweeter?
A: The delay was due to certain legal unforeseen circumstances. But
eventually the National Award committee came through and the awards
have been announced. I'm deeply grateful to the government and the
jury for considering me, but more importantly for having considered
the film "Black" and for having given it a separate recognition as
well.
I cannot say about delayed triumph being sweeter. Any triumph is
sweet and humbling and honourable. I am grateful and happy.
Q: You sound really pleased.
A: I'm happy for the film, Sanjay and sad that Rani didn't get an
award. She played the main protagonist and all the other
performances were guided by her in the film. Our recognition came
because of her and her incredible performance.
When she called to express her joy about my National Award, her
temperament was just the same as when we saw the first copy of the
film together. But we must respect the decision of the jury and
acknowledge the person that did get the best actress award, namely,
Sarika.
Q: Did the controversies surrounding the award, including a jury
member
claiming they were being pressurised to give you the award, cause
you embarrassment or discomfort?
A: No it did not. They are the jury and they must have their
reasons for their claims and decisions. I think what became awkward
was the deliberations of the jury became public because of the
court procedure. The body of distinguished people chosen by state
authorities to represent a committee are able and accomplished
individuals. They know their job. We are no one to question them.
Q: Most of us feel "Black" is your finest ever. Where would you
rate it at this point of time when you've been doing such varied
work?
A: 'Black' rates very highly in my repertoire. I cannot say if it
is the finest. I hope the finest is yet to come. As an artiste I
would cherish that. It's always a challenge perhaps to better what
has been done before.
Q: "Black" has arguably been your most lauded film to date. Do you
feel it has gone as far as it deserves? Isn't it strange it has
been given a
National Award for best Hindi film when much of the dialogue is in
English?
A: I am not conversant with the selection procedure of the National
Awards so I shall not be able to comment on this. They must have
their reasons for doing so.
Q: What changes do you notice in Abhishek after marriage?
A: Nothing much really! Except the usage of the phrase "Meet my
wife" by him, on social occasions!
Q: How's "Sarkar 2" shaping up - as intense as the first time?
A: I think it is shaping well and yes it is as intense as the first
one.
Q: "Sholay" has undergone a complete change... new title and a new
name for your character. Would you say it's still "Sholay" in
spirit?
A: It's Ram Gopal Varma's take on the film. In that respect I
believe there is a deep inspiration.
By Subhash K. Jha
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