'I am not a superstar, I am an actor'

Though he turns down the tag of a superstar as politely as is his wont, the fact remains that till now no actor in Indian cinema has risen up to the adulation and fame brand Bachchan enjoys not just in the country, but even internationally. But while prominent filmmakers and production houses continue to line-up eagerly to sign him for plum projects, the actor seems to have cut down on his work post his illness sometime back. As he awaits the release of Bhoothnath, where he does a ‘vanishing act' (read ghost) for the first time ever, we were all ears to Mr Bachchan as he spoke generally on a little bit of this and that and films, of course...

Are you cutting down on films considering your hectic schedule has played on your health?

I do not have to cut down on my schedules because they are not hectic at all. Only because the media has been seeing me regularly and continuously in ads, films and functions that they presume my days are hectic and they are affecting my health. Let me tell you, my health is taken care of by a planned schedule. Yes, I did fall sick maybe due to some biological imbalance in the body, but I am fit and fine with the blessings of God and all my well-wishers.

Even at this age you are able to carry an entire film on your shoulders. That's creditable indeed ...

I do not think it is so. The length of my work is less compared to my yesteryear films when I used to be a solo hero. Now the entire team, including the producer, director and cast [be it Shahrukh Khan or Salman Khan] supports the film to stand together. It would be foolishness to cast me for something which is not suited to my age. Hence, younger elements ought to be there.

A superstar working with other stars ... what is your stand?

I am not a superstar, I am an actor. Media has been humble in terming me so. We are from the actor's clan and we have to work with each other. Our duty is to perform to the best of our ability. So, I believe in respecting anyone and everyone I work with.

Do you think publicity plays an important role in the promotion of a film?

Yes, definitely! During our times, that is, in the Eighties, the print media was prominent. The advent of electronic media has enhanced the scope of publicity.

Right ways of marketing is essential for the promotion of the product and media plays a vital role in that. During our days, if the film ran for 25, 50 or 75 days, it would mean the film is a big hit, but nowadays the success or failure of a film is decided within a week itself.

Remake of films is in vogue. Your comments?

It is nothing new and noble. Films like Devdas and Sahib Biwi Aur Ghulam have been remade earlier too. In fact, this has been happening internationally too in countries like Japan and France, especially. It is the maker's creativity and his interpretation with modern techniques, which enhances the film.

Some of your recent films like Nishabd and Cheeni Kum have drawn a lot of flak due to their unconventional themes...

A movie depicts a situation. And the filmmaker along with the actors tries to cut through the mindset of such individuals, who are undergoing such unconventional thought processes. In Nishabd, the movie attempts to explore the protagonists' feelings. Nothing beyond social norms was depicted. I liked the story and for that matter, the story was quite intriguing. It took me just 15 minutes to decide upon doing that role. And I have no qualms about having done that role. It was a challenging one, in fact. And I did Cheeni Kum because I liked the story very much.

But what's your take on such relationships?

Well! It's something which happens in real life too. We've often read stories in the newspapers about old men tying the knot with girls less than half their age. So, in this pseudo aristocratic world such feelings do arise in a man-woman relationship irrespective of age. Whether it's wrong or right is a matter of thought between the man undergoing such feelings and his near and dear ones.

You readily extend cooperation to projects by friends - whether it be Zamaanat for S. Ramanathan or a Bhojpuri film like Ganga for your make-up man of years, Deepak Sawant...

It is not a question of extending cooperation only to friends, but also about liking the script. In addition, how can I forget that it was S. Ramanathan who had given me my first break in Bombay to Goa years back? And Deepak, who has been my make-up man for over 30 years, came to me with a script and I liked it. So, I accepted the film.

What are the differences in the style of working between South films and Bollywood?

The South directors and their working patterns are quite disciplined. They like to be on time and finish their work on time. Nowadays Bollywood too is becoming more and more professional.

You have been constantly experimenting with your looks in your films. Even in Bhoothnath you have an interesting get up ...

Actually it is good to have a changed look. One feels refreshed. About my look in Bhoothnath, you may please ask Vivek Sharma [director]. It is his conception.

You and Juhi have sung a number each in the film...

Yes! I have sung a number in my broken voice. Juhi, being a classical singer, has sung exuberantly.

Do you advise Abhishek on films?

He has grown as an actor. I just tell him to be focused. I certainly do not thrust my opinion on him. He is taking his work seriously, and that is more than enough.