Amitabh Bachchan Takes a Nostalgic Journey as 'Aankhen' Completes 24 Years
As the iconic film 'Aankhen' celebrated its 24th anniversary on April 5, megastar Amitabh Bachchan engaged in an exclusive conversation with ETimes, reminiscing about the movie's unique premise and his groundbreaking negative role. In a heartfelt reflection, Bachchan delved into the memories of shooting, the camaraderie with co-stars, and the challenges of portraying a villainous character that left a lasting impact on Indian cinema.
Shooting Memories and Studio Nostalgia
When asked about his recollections from that time, Bachchan expressed amazement at how swiftly the years have passed. "Seems like a lifetime… gosh, how time flies!" he remarked. He vividly recalled filming at Kamalistan Studios, highlighting its significance for a crucial railway sequence. "We needed a railway sequence, and that was the only studio with a permanent railway station set," Bachchan explained, underscoring the practical aspects of filmmaking that often go unnoticed.
Fun on Set with Co-Stars
The actor also shared anecdotes about the lively atmosphere on set, particularly with his younger co-stars. "It was great fun to shoot. The boys had a blast, and I tried to be part of their fun," Bachchan said, referring to Arjun Rampal, Akshay Kumar, Paresh Rawal, and director Vipul Shah. However, he humorously noted that they often treated him with the respect due to an elder, which sometimes kept him at a slight distance from their youthful exuberance.
Embracing a Negative Role in 'Aankhen'
Bachchan emphasized that 'Aankhen' allowed him to explore a vastly different space as an actor. "Absolutely. I played a completely negative role," he stated. The plot, derived from a Gujarati play directed by Vipul Amrutlal Shah, featured Bachchan as a bank manager with a fierce temper. "I played a bank manager with a fierce temper, a man who is almost directly responsible for all the wrong that happens in the story," he elaborated, highlighting his character's pivotal role in driving the narrative's conflict.
Comparing Heist Roles in 'Aankhen' and 'Kaante'
When reminded of his involvement in bank heists in both 'Aankhen' and 'Kaante', Bachchan drew a clear distinction. "In 'Kaante', I didn’t lead the heist, I was part of a group. But in 'Aankhen', I’m the driving force behind everything that goes wrong," he explained. This led to a discussion on whether it was difficult to portray such a negative character. Bachchan responded confidently, "Not really," citing prior experiences in films like 'Saudagar' and 'Parwana', where he played similarly dark roles.
Past Negative Roles and Actor's Philosophy
Reflecting on his earlier work, Bachchan recalled apologizing to co-star Nutan after 'Saudagar' for his abhorrent behavior on screen, praising her gracious response. He also mentioned playing a murderer in 'Parwana'. "There have been many such roles. As an actor, one must never judge a character," he asserted, underscoring his professional approach to embracing diverse and challenging parts without moral bias.
Shades of Grey in Other Films
The conversation lightened as Bachchan laughed about his grey-shaded role in 'Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham'. "Yes, in 'Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham', I asked for a lot of trouble," he joked, listing actions like throwing out Shah Rukh Khan's character, slapping Hrithik Roshan, being harsh with Jaya Bachchan, and insulting Kajol. "That’s inviting serious trouble!" he added, showcasing his ability to infuse humor into discussions of his complex characters.
Praise for Sushmita Sen
Bachchan also acknowledged Sushmita Sen's contribution to 'Aankhen', describing her as one of the protagonists. "Sushmita Sen was one of the protagonists. Very spunky and original," he said, appreciating her dynamic presence in the film.
This exclusive reflection not only celebrates the legacy of 'Aankhen' but also offers a rare glimpse into Amitabh Bachchan's enduring versatility and dedication to his craft, reminding audiences of the film's significant place in Bollywood history.
