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The
idea of working together with his family members excites Amitabh
Bachchan and the legendary actor says he would welcome such an offer. "We
would welcome a project that involves all of us - Jaya, Abhishek,
Aishwarya and myself - actively. We hear a lot of talk amongst makers
for such projects," Amitabh told IANS in an interview.
Currently,
he is looking forward to the world concert titled The Unforgettable
with Abhishek and Aishwarya, which is going to start in April next year.
"It'll
be exciting to accompany a young and energetic group of youngsters. The
joy of having Abhishek and Aishwarya along is the added excitement. I
feel a lot of nostalgia and anxiety within me as I take this one after
several years."
Last month the British Academy of Film &
Teleivision Arts (BAFTA) honoured him and the legendary actor, who was
given honorary lifetime member of BAFTA, says the recognition is an
acknowledgement of the Indian film industry.
"I feel very
deeply humbled and honoured. My recognition is really an
acknowledgement of the Indian film industry, and indeed India. It feels
wonderful to see so much attention being given to our country."
Excerpts:
Q: How was the BAFTA experience? Another unique honour for you...
A:
I feel very deeply humbled and honoured. My recognition is really an
acknowledgement of the Indian film industry, and indeed India. It feels
wonderful to see so much attention being given to our country. There
was a retrospective of my films ("Sholay", "Black", "Silsila",
"Eklavya: The Royal Guard" and "Nishabd") and some documentaries
("Everlasting Light" and "Follow That Star") about me made by prominent
people.
I had to interact with the public over two evenings.
Clips of my work were shown as a reference alongside on the screen. The
Chairman of BAFTA ended the event by announcing me as an honorary
lifetime member of BAFTA. I felt really proud to be a small part of the
Indian film fraternity, receiving this distinction.
Q: Plans for the world concert featuring you with Abhishek and Aishwarya have been finalised?
A:
Yes, we hope to be in action next year around April and cover many
countries. The tour is called 'The Unforgettable'. It'll be exciting to
accompany such a young and energetic group of youngsters. The joy of
having Abhishek and Aishwarya along is the added excitement. The tour
is expected to take us to all-important countries in the world as well
as internally in India too.
Some additions to the cast are in
planning and soon should be finalised. I feel a lot of nostalgia and
anxiety within me as I take this on after several years. The scale of
the event and the enthusiasm of the producers and cast will, I hope,
help us in putting across a memorable experience.
Q: Would you like to do a project where all four of you feature together?
A:
You mean Jaya, Abhishek, Aishwarya and myself? Yes, we would welcome a
project that involves all of us actively. We hear a lot of talk amongst
makers for such projects.
Q: You've just returned from
this trip to England covering the International Indian Film Academy
(IIFA) awards in Yorkshire, Leeds and London. How has it been for you?
A:
It's been wonderful. The family has been together. IIFA has been the
best and the biggest Bollywood event since inception. It is such a joy
for me to see the entire industry together in one place, entertaining,
working and interacting with each other. The love and enthusiasm of the
Yorkshire people, the respect and dignity with which they treated us
was all so memorable.
By Subhash K. Jha
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